Following the publication of revised directions, the UK Government has confirmed a significant decrease in its involvement with Liverpool City Council. The Commissioners will relinquish several powers in the upcoming weeks, ahead of schedule. Specifically, the Council will regain the appointment of the most senior managers, oversight of finance and highways functions from 31 March. The team of Commissioners will reduce from 18 to four, with Joanna Killian’s resignation, effective from 18 March as she starts her new role as Chief Executive of the Local Government Association.
Council Leader, Cllr Liam Robinson was pleased with the decision and stated that, “It is recognition of the fact that we have made significant progress over the last nine months or so, although we know that we have much more to do.” Despite their progress, the council remains aware that there are areas where more work needs to be done, specifically in property management and other necessary areas. Robinson believes that this marks the “beginning of the end of the intervention as we know it, and it is a tribute to the hard work of staff and councillors who have worked tirelessly.”
Constructive discussions were held between Cllr Liam Robinson and the local government minister, Simon Hoare MP, concerning the intervention. Hoare acknowledged the progress that Liverpool has made and has expressed the government’s interest in supporting a managed transition to ending the statutory intervention. The Commissioners will proceed to be responsible for governance, regeneration, property management and a limited number of higher appointments related to HR/organisational development and statutory officers.
The next Commissioners report scheduled to be released will outline what will happen at the planned end of the intervention in June 2024. The commissioners’ remaining involvement and the days spent with the council will be gradually reduced before they completely withdraw. Although the councillors remain determined and confident that they can transform the council into an excellent council that can provide value for its residents’ money
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