We have been shortlisted for the Co-op Council of the Year Award – a prestigious accolade that honours councils across the UK who have shown a commitment to the co-operative principles.   

Anne-Marie Bond, our Chief Executive,  said, “We’re so excited to be one of just five co-op councils across the country that have been shortlisted for the Co-operative Council of the Year Award.   

“We are committed to being a Co-operative Council and are striving to improve the lives of our community by working with them. One of the ways we achieved this last year, which was one of the hardest years any of us have ever experienced, was by bringing together community food resources and fundraising efforts to create the Torbay Food Alliance. This group of food banks came together to support those who needed it the most during the pandemic, working with schools and the Community Helpline to ensure everyone had access to food. Amazingly, Torbay Food Alliance have just celebrated their first birthday and will preparing and distributing their half a millionth meal next week!  

“We are now building on this approach and are developing a strategic food partnership. This will provide a long-term collaborative approach and will create a resilient local food system. Through this partnership we will tackle the issues and work together to explore creative, innovative solutions so we can together provide good, healthy and sustainable food to all.    

“After the last year we have all had we would be proud to take home this award. The winners will be decided by a public vote, and this is where we need your help. If we’ve inspired you, impressed you, helped you or made a positive difference in any way we would be very grateful if you could vote for us.”   

The Co-op of the Year Awards 2021 are organised by Co-operatives UK – the network for Britain’s thousands of co-operative businesses – and sponsored by The Co-operative Bank. The Co-op Council award is sponsored by CCIN (The Co-operative Councils’ Innovation Network).   

We have been shortlisted in the Council of the Year category and are up against:  

• Kirklees Council  
• Rochdale Council  
• Cheshire West and Chester Council  
• Telford and Wrekin Council  

Rose Marley, CEO of Co-operatives UK said: “As we start to rebuild our economy after over a year of restrictions, these awards shine a spotlight on councils like Torbay Council who place co-operative values and principles at the heart of all they do. I wish Torbay and all the shortlisted co-op councils the best of luck in the public vote.”   

Cllr Sharon Taylor, Chair of CCIN said: “The Co-operative Council of the Year Award provides an opportunity to highlight the innovative ways that Co-operative Councils have supported their communities throughout the Pandemic, putting the co-op values and principles into practice. Good Luck to all of the shortlisted councils.”   

To vote for us go to www.uk.coop/vote. Voting closes at midnight on the 1 June and the winners will be announced on 5 July 2021.