Cornwall Council’s website has been named as one of the best in the UK.

The four star accolade – the highest rank achievable – comes from web surveyors and IT professional body Socitm and recognises the efforts by Cornwall Council’s web team to improve accessibility, the design and layout of the site for use on mobile devices, content and the ease of carrying out key tasks.

After examining 433 sites across the country, Socitm has recognised the Cornwall Council website as one of the top 20 websites in the country; in the top five of unitary websites and one of the most used websites in the UK.

“Websites are a valuable way of interacting with a wide audience,” said Jason Williams, Cornwall Council’s customer standards and digital manager.

“Our aim has always been to ensure as many people as possible can access our website. As we move towards encouraging residents to access services, find out information and contact us via our website, it is great to see that it is not only fit for purpose but recognised as being accessible, easy to navigate and one of the best websites in the UK.”

The website receives on average 600,000 visitors a month with planning and job searches being the areas most searched for and accessed.

Cornwall Council deputy leader Jeremy Rowe said: “I am delighted that our website has gained this recognition and that it continues to keep up with changes in technology.”