Two Council projects win at COSLA Awards

Two Dundee City Council projects have been named winners at COSLA’s 2025 Excellence Awards it has been announced.

The city’s Local Fairness Initiative project won the ‘SOLACE Best Team’ award while the Family Empowerment initiative was successful in COSLA’s ‘Strengthening Communities and Local Democracy’ section.

The COSLA Excellence Awards exist to recognise the work, talent and innovation across Scotland’s local authorities and the exceptional people who deliver for communities every day of the year.

The Council launched the Local Fairness Initiative to take a partnership approach in tackling inequalities related to poverty and low income.

Depute Convener for Neighbourhood, Housing and Communities Cllr Lynne Short said: “It’s fantastic to see these projects being recognised on a national stage for the impactful work they carry out in our communities in helping to address the cost of living, empowering families, supporting mental wellbeing and bringing about environmental improvements.”

A collaboration between Dundee City Council and What Matters to You has resulted in new approaches to engaging and involving families and young people in developing opportunities in their own communities.

Geoff Leask, WM2U Co-ordinator for Dundee, said: “This award for Dundee City Council for the work with What Matters to You is a strong acknowledgement of our shared ambition to deliver on community-based system change through amplifying the voices of those with lived experiences to alter conditions that perpetuate problems. It is also great recognition for the families who have stepped forward to influence the changes.”

Dundee City Council’s Bell Street – Green Transport Hub was also shortlisted at the event in the Building Towards a Just Transition category. 

The full list of finalists and categories can be found on the COSLA website.