Cumberland Council has been recognised on the national stage after winning a prestigious award at the MJ Awards 2026, celebrating excellence across local government.
The council secured the Innovation in Children’s and Adults’ Services award, highlighting its commitment to improving outcomes for children, young people and families.
The MJ Awards are among the most respected honours in local government, recognising councils and partners that deliver real impact for their communities.
Cumberland’s winning entry focused on its work with care experienced young people, including initiatives that give young people a stronger voice in shaping services and local decision-making. This approach brings together partners from across the public, voluntary and private sectors to create opportunities and remove barriers for young people.
The award recognises the council’s innovative, co-produced work creating the Enrichment Fund. Young people led the design, shaped the support and continue to make decisions about how the fund is used. This not only ensures the support meets the needs of young people but also helps them develop confidence and skills and opens pathways into education, employment and independent living.
Cllr Emma Williamson, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services, Family Wellbeing and Housing at Cumberland Council, said:
“Winning this award reflects our commitment to putting people first, empowering young people, and working in partnership to deliver better outcomes.
“It shows the difference we can make when we put young people’s voices at the heart of our services. We are proud of the progress we are making with care experienced young people, and we will continue to build on this success to create brighter futures across Cumberland.”
Martin Birch, Director of Children and Family Wellbeing at Cumberland Council said:
“We are incredibly proud to receive this national recognition. This award reflects the dedication of our colleagues, partners and, most importantly, the young people we work alongside every day. Their insight, creativity and determination is the driving force behind everything we do.
“By working together, we are helping to create better opportunities and brighter futures for care experienced young people across Cumberland.”
The awards ceremony took place in London, bringing together councils from across the country to celebrate the very best in public service innovation and delivery.
This success highlights Cumberland Council’s continued focus on partnership working, inclusion and delivering meaningful change for local communities.
