Falmouth Town Council's success in the National Association of Councils Star Councils Awards was recognised by the All Party Parliamentary Group at a local democracy reception in Westminster earlier this month.

Having taken on local services to save them being lost, such as the library, public toilets, CCTV and youth services, the council was described as a "beacon of excellence in joined up service delivery."

The reception was held as part of a series of events for the association’s National Lobby Day, where over 80 members of parliament were told about the positive difference local town and parish councils can make to their communities and the growing role in devolution.

Former chair of the association, Ken Browse, said the awards were a platform to celebrate the most pioneering work by local councils. The judges have been hugely impressed with the quality of work being done in local councils across the country.

Falmouth's mayor Grenville Chappel said of the award: "This reflects the hard work of the councillors and staff in the way we have consulted our community and worked in partnership with others, particularly regarding the engagement with the devolution of services to prevent them being lost to Falmouth."

Scott Mann MP, co-chair of the APPG, said: “As a Cornwall MP I’m very proud of our local councils and see first-hand just how important they are. They are a vital part of our local democracy; at the heart of the community; and most importantly, improving our local areas.

“Our All Party Parliamentary Group has an important job to champion local councils in parliament, promoting the changes needed to help them do more for local people, as well as showcasing good practice and celebrating how they are making a real difference.”

The chairman of NALC, Cllr Sue Baxter said: "I want to see the government, shadow front benches, MPs, principal authorities (counties, districts, borough and/or unitaries) up their game and improve their awareness of local councils in their respective communities and the vital work they do to improve their areas.

“In a time when more communities are feeling disconnected from power, new local councils are being created every year as a result of communities wanting more of a say over their area, so I’m particularly keen for MPs in unparished areas such as our larger towns and cities to engage with us and understand the benefits of grassroots democracy, representation and community action.”