Watford Borough Council in Hertfordshire was shortlisted for three major national awards on February 19, 2026, for its work on the town centre, environmental projects, and service efficiency. The council also received a separate commendation for its use of local technology, which it says will help attract more investment to the community.
The council is a finalist in the 2026 LGC Awards for its economic strategy called “A connected town centre shaped for long-term success.” This work focuses on making the high street and local business areas more successful and prepared for future growth.
In the iESE Public Service Excellence Awards, the authority received a Certificate for Excellence for using artificial intelligence. This technology includes automated phone systems, chatbots, and live chat features that help residents find information and support online.
On the same day as the award news, the council confirmed it had secured a grant of £717,764 from the Brownfield Land Release Fund for the Watford Riverwell project to help with local regeneration. According to Mayor Peter Taylor, the council was also shortlisted for its green public services and its overall efficiency.
The awards arrive during a seven-week government consultation on how Hertfordshire’s local government should be managed. This public consultation began on February 5, 2026, and is set to finish on March 26, 2026.
