Liverpool City Council will have its powers handed back in June 2024 when the Commissioner-led intervention officially ends. This follows the publication of Max Caller’s Best Value report into the council in 2021, which resulted in significant negative media attention. Cllr Liam Robinson, the Council Leader, reflected on how tough the last three years have been, as Liverpool worked through various issues with commissioners, with the council criticised for poor governance and cultural issues. While pleased that the council has been recognised as a changed organisation with a solid improvement journey set in place, he acknowledged that there is a long way still to go in earning back the trust of residents.
The Commissioners originally stated that they would leave once the council had reached a “good enough” standard, but the council itself is seeking to deliver some of the best services in the country. This ambition is driving additional work being conducted to improve services, particularly at the neighbourhood level. The council is increasing its focus on tackling issues — such as grime and blight — that communities care about in their area. Additional funds have been committed to support the improvements, while enforcement in the neighbourhoods still needs work — with better collaboration required to achieve the desired results.
The council has agreed to work with the Local Government Association (LGA) on a Peer Challenge during July to access advice from experienced personnel in local government. A Statutory Assurance and Improvement Board has also been set up with the Commissioners to ensure that long-term improvements in services are delivered following work conducted over the last three years.
While the end of the intervention is now on the horizon, the council accepts that it still has many improvements to make. Liverpool is focused on delivering better services and re-earning the trust of its residents
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