Networking: Guardian Awards Recognition for Two South West Initiatives

Runner up in Service Delivery, Care of Older People Award

Penwith Older People's Forum

The Forum was established in November 2004, following a Single Issue Panel study by Penwith District Council into Services for Older People.  The study which was carried out in response to the Local Governemnt Act 2000, and in particular the Council's duty to ensure the wellbeing of its local community included members and officers of the Council who looked at the provision of services for the elderly in Penwith.  One of the main findings of the study was the establishment of the Forum which aims to be the voice for all older people living within Penwith District; to help improve the quality of life; promote active, fulfilling and independent lives and as a way of getting older people together to make a difference.For further information see http://www.penwith.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=28832

Runner up in Innovation and Progress, Sustainability Award

Teignbridge District Council

The accolade acknowledges Teignbridge's ongoing commitment to tackling climate change and promoting a sustainable environment.  The news complements Teignbridge's own Green Flag raising at Teignmouth Den, itself an award that recognises clean, safe and sustainable resorts.  Teignbridge recently won the award for the first time at Teignmouth Den, in addition to winning it for the third year running at Decoy Country Park.Other achievements in the past year recognised by the Guardian Public Services Awards shortlisting include:

· Becoming the first authority in the country to bring in an eco-friendly Euro 5i compliant refuse fleet.

· Breaking the 50% barrier for household waste recycling rates, with DEFRA audited figures for 2006/07 placing the district 7th in the country's top ten recyclers. 

· Producing the second lowest amount of residual waste per head going to landfill in the country.

· Becoming one of the smallest districts in the country to complete a Carbon Management Plan with The Carbon Trust.

· Implementing an 'in-house' recycling and composting system, removing individual staff bins and replacing them with communal recycling facilities.