The government has shortlisted 87 councils from 187 applicants for “beacon” status – its standard of excellence used to spread best practice among authorities.
Local authorities were shortlisted for excellence in 10 service areas, including quality of the built environment, street and highway works, tackling homelessness and removing barriers to work.

ODPM officials will now visit the shortlisted councils, which will also be able to make presentations to the Advisory Panel. The panel will then recommend which authorities will be given beacon status. The results will be announced in April.