Our Burnley and Pendle partnership wins IRRV Performance Awards
Together with Burnley and Pendle Borough Councils, we have won the 2026 IRRV Performance Awards for Local Taxation and/or Revenues Team of the Year.
The award recognises the work of our East Lancashire Council Tax hub. The shared team delivers services through a strong partnership-led model. It is a fantastic achievement for everyone involved and reflects the team’s commitment to service quality, performance, and residents.
A partnership delivering strong results
The East Lancashire Council Tax hub brings together expert knowledge and proven processes with local understanding to provide a resilient Council Tax service for both Burnley and Pendle Councils.
Over the last five years, the team has delivered strong collection performance in a challenging economic environment, where effective Council Tax administration and fair recovery are especially important. The team’s performance shows how a joined-up partnership protects vital council income while keeping focused on residents.
A team built on experience
At the heart of the service is a highly experienced and expert Revenues and Benefits team.
They cover all aspects of council tax, including service management, billing, recovery, team leadership, systems expertise, and transformation. Together, they provide the structure, control and flexibility needed to deliver a consistent service across both councils.
Our partnership model also lets the team share capacity, apply common processes, and embed improvements across the wider hub. This helps both councils benefit from local knowledge, shared learning and a service designed around their priorities.
On winning the award, Rachel Pearce, Northern Account Manager, Liberata, said:
“This award is a fantastic recognition of the partnership between Burnley, Pendle, and Liberata. It reflects the trust, collaboration, and shared focus behind the service every day. By working closely together, we have been able to build a Council Tax service that responds to local priorities, supports residents, and delivers strong outcomes for both councils.”
Residents are at the centre
The award also acknowledges the way the service is delivered. Strong collection performance is important, but the team also provides residents with fairness, sensitivity, and practical support.
Across Burnley and Pendle, the team has maintained a resident-focused approach to Council Tax recovery. This includes ethical recovery methods, digital self-service, and support for vulnerable residents to help prevent debt escalation.
That balance is central to the partnership’s success. It shows that councils can improve collection performance while continuing to deliver a fair and responsive service for residents.
An accomplishment for the whole team
Winning the IRRV Performance Awards is a proud moment for Burnley and Pendle Councils and for the Liberata colleagues who support the partnership.
It recognises the expertise, commitment and collaboration behind a service that continues to deliver for councils and residents.
Speaking about the achievements of the team, not only on winning, but also how they deliver their work, Gerwyn Baker, Executive Director, Client Services, Liberata, said:
“I am incredibly proud of the team and the recognition they have received through this award and of the way the team delivers every day. Their work with Burnley and Pendle Councils shows the value of experienced people, strong partnerships, and a clear commitment to residents. We look forward to continuing our work with both authorities and building on the service improvements already achieved.”
Pictured left to right: Susie McCabe (Comedian and host), Anna Tranter, Rachel Pearce, Clare Jackson (Burnley Head of Policy and Engagement), Marie Mason (Pendle – Corporate Client & Performance Manager), John O’Neill, Steve Rybaruk, Darren Smith, Andy Cummins (CDER), Allan Clarke (IRRV President).
Congratulations to everyone involved in the East Lancashire Council Tax hub. This award is a well-deserved recognition of the team’s work, service focus, and impact.
About the IRRV Performance Awards
The awards recognise teams that consistently maintain and improve service standards, customer satisfaction, performance, and effective administration. It also celebrates what they have achieved, how they’ve achieved it, and each team member’s valuable contributions.
