The Minister was speaking at the North West Charter Awards Ceremony - where local authorities receive recognition for the commitment to the development of their elected members. Altogether 42 authorities in the North West have now achieved Charter Status.
The Minister said that 'The Communities in control: real people, real power White Paper', launched in July highlighted the passing of power to communities and giving real control and influence at grass roots level.
At the ceremony, held at the Lowry in Salford, the Minister presented the award to four new authorities - Blackburn-with-Darwen, Lancaster, Oldham and Wyre.
Seven other authorities had their Charter status renewed - Allerdale, Carlisle, Crewe and Nantwich, Preston, Tameside, Vale Royal and Warrington.
Minister for the North West Beverley Hughes said:
"I am pleased that the North West is taking the lead in providing a framework and opportunities for learning and their success is being followed by other regions.
"It is important to recognise the link between having skilled and committed elected members and how they can improve the lives of the people in their communities.
"Celebrating the achievements of these authorities is also an important part of changing the perceptions of the role of elected members and hopefully attract a new generation of vibrant local leaders."
North West Employers, who organise the awards, also launched a new toolkit to help local authorities evaluate the impact of member development that they provide to ensure it has real benefit for people in the communities in the North West.
