New government praises city council’s improvements after intervention measures
Liverpool City Council has been praised for its improvement efforts by the new Minister for Local Government.
In his letter to Council Leader, Cllr Liam Robinson, Jim McMahon, Minister of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, said “the Cabinet and the Council’s leadership team have shown a clear dedication to provide well-needed stability to the council and to improve the lives of the people of Liverpool”.
He also commended the establishment of Liverpool Improvement and Assurance Board, to ensure that momentum is maintained and independent experts hold the council accountable.
The board is chaired by Mike Cunningham, former Lead Commissioner at the council for the past three years.
Commissioners were parachuted into the council in June 2021, following a damning report into the Labour-controlled authority by government inspector Max Caller.
In his letter Mr McMahon tells Cllr Robinson: “You have clearly worked hard to eliminate the poor governance, insularity, and leadership failings that previously loomed over the council and I am impressed with how quickly and effectively you have been able to instil and embed changes in the short time that you have been in office.”
In a further encouraging sign, the Minister outlined that he and the Government are committed to resetting the relationship between central and local government, and that they are keen to work with Liverpool in a true partnership.
Cllr Robinson, said: “It is pleasing to see that the hard work that has gone into transforming the council has been recognised by the new government.
“We are determined to build a strong relationship with Whitehall, and to work closely with them on our ambitions to become one of the leading councils in the country, and assist them in whatever we can in relation to delivering on their missions.”
He added: “We know we have still got a long way to go in terms of improving trust and confidence with residents, but firm building blocks are in place in relation to the structure and governance of the council, and this is already starting to deliver real change on the ground.”
Mike Cunningham said: “I am very pleased to be supporting the council on the next stage of its improvement journey.
“It has made, and continues to make, good progress but the leadership team recognises there is still lots to do.”
The then Local Government Secretary, Robert Jenrick, sent in his inspector, Max Caller, in December 2023, following the arrest of five people, including the then elected mayor Joe Anderson, linked to Merseyside Police’s Operation Aloft investigations, which focused on property deals within the City of Liverpool area.
Jenrick outlined “multiple apparent failures” within the Labour-run authority which he said paints a “deeply concerning picture” with a “pervasive and rotten culture”.
He said the report recounted documents left in skips or destroyed, the awarding of “dubious” contracts and an “environment of intimidation” for council staff.
And it showed “a failure of proper process relating to property management including compliance with the council’s own standing orders, leading to a continued failure to correctly value land and assets meaning taxpayers frequently lost out,” he said.
