Our readers react as Renfrewshire Council shortlisted for ‘Council of the Year’ award

News that Renfrewshire Council has been shortlisted for ‘Council of the Year’ at a UK-wide awards ceremony has sparked a strong negative reaction from locals on social media.

Dozens of people took to Facebook to share their disbelief, frustration, and in some cases humour at the announcement.

David said: “Seven projects being recognised including ‘Meet Millie’ AI Customer Advisor. You’re having a laugh lol.” Shirley agreed, calling the council a “useless lot.”

Alan compared the nomination to “voting for Harold Shipman as Doctor of the Year,” while Isobel joked the council “couldn’t run a bus run.” Jamie drew a comparison with McGill’s buses, saying: “the only bus company in town and winning all the awards.”

Others suggested the nomination was a joke or a wind-up. Lainey asked if it was “April 1st,” Kieran compared it to “voting Sweeney Todd the best barber,” and Tom called it “the comedy awards.”

Frustrations about services also came up repeatedly. Gary said: “Come collect my bin lol,” Robert asked for a replacement bin, and Johnny complained about the state of the roads. Linda raised concerns about charges to her disabled daughter for day centre support, while Jacqueline criticised the planned closure of centres for disabled people in Paisley.

Maxwell pointed to school planning failures in Bishopton, while Stuart shared a BBC report branding the council “grossly incompetent” over Dargavel Primary School. Thomas added that the council was “constantly destroying greenbelt areas and selling them to developers.”

Some commenters focused on money. Derek said councillors would be “celebrating on expenses of course,” while Cathryn suggested the council only wins at “getting money out of homeowners.” Donna called it “the joke of the century,” and William bluntly asked: “Who did they bribe?”

Humour also featured heavily in the replies. Ian compared it to winning “handsomest man in the burns unit,” Dave likened it to “giving Gary Glitter an award for working at a children’s home,” and Chris joked they’d be better suited to an “ARSE award.”

Not everyone wrote long replies – many simply responded with laughing emojis, GIFs, or short comments like “joke,” “fake news,” or “surely not.”

The overwhelming mood from readers was disbelief and criticism, with many questioning how Renfrewshire Council could be in the running for such a title.

Winners will be announced at the ceremony in Glasgow on Thursday 11th September 2025.

(You can find the original article here)