Success for Flood Investigations and Grants team at prestigious local government awards

The team set up to help Suffolk in the wake of Storm Babet wins Small Team of the Year at the Local Government Chronicle awards.
Published: 13 Jun 2025

Suffolk County Council’s Flood Investigations and Grants team is celebrating after winning a national award for its work supporting the communities affected by one of Britain’s worst storms of the century.

It has won the Small Team of the Year category in the prestigious Local Government Chronicle Awards.

Beverly Davies and Ellie Coleby holding a trophy shaped with the letters LGC
Success! Beverly Davies, left and Ellie Coleby with the LGC trophy for Small Team of the Year. (Picture: SCC)

The team was set up in the immediate aftermath of Storm Babet in 2023 to assist flood victims in applying for funding grants and helping communities get back on their feet.

Team leader Ellie Coleby and grants manager Beverly Davies were presented with the award by stand-up comedian, writer, and actor Maisie Adam in a prize-giving evening at Grosvenor House in London attended by more than 1,400 people.

Matt Hullis, Suffolk County Council Head of Environment Strategy said: “We are absolutely thrilled and delighted to win this award, it is recognition of the incredible hard work of this team.

“I am so proud of each and every member for their dedication in helping the people of Suffolk following Storm Babet.”

Councillor Paul West, Suffolk County Council Cabinet member for Operational Highways and Flooding, said: “Huge congratulations to the team for a richly deserved award.

“Storm Babet hit Suffolk hard and, while not forgetting the superb response of all the other organisations and individuals who contributed to the recovery effort, the way this newly formed team rose to the challenge was magnificent.”

Maisie Adam, Ellie Coleby, Beverly Davies and Kieran McDougall, all in evening dress, on a stage holding the LGC trophy
Ellie Coleby, left, and Beverly Davies with comic Maisie Adam, far left, and Kieran McDougall of emap, publishers of the Local Government Chronicle. (Picture: Star Media).

The Flood Investigations and Grants Team was set up immediately after Storm Babet in October 2023, which saw the worst flooding in Suffolk for more than 70 years with over 900 homes and businesses affected.

It hit the ground running, investigating the causes, streamlining procedures, collaborating with the Environment Agency, district/borough and parish councils, and working to keep communities informed and supported.

The LGC judges said: “Suffolk CC's entry was a great example of a small team responding to crisis with compassion, tenacity, and creativity.

“The judges were impressed with how they faced a potentially overwhelming challenge through strong leadership, courageous approach to building trust with residents and partners whilst taking opportunities to do things differently.

“This resulted in innovation, better relationships which are having long term impacts for residents which a whole range of public services could learn from.”

The LGC Awards identify and celebrate outstanding practices and innovations delivered by councils, highlighting the significant contributions local government makes to communities and showcasing the hard work of teams and individuals.

Further details of this year’s awards can be found on the LGC website.