Liverpool City Council is set to regain all of its powers in June 2024, as the Commissioner-led intervention comes to an end. Government Commissioners have written to Michael Gove MP, Secretary of State, stating that the council is “a well-governed, improving organisation, with ambitious leaders who are committed to long term change”. They added that if Liverpool City Council continues in the same direction, it will soon be a council that will achieve the value for money and good quality services that the people of Liverpool rightfully expect.
In March 2021, the council took responsibility for Finance, Highways, and Transport, while most senior appointments had been made in January 2021. The Commissioners and the council have agreed that a Statutory Assurance and Improvement Board would be established and operate until March 2025, providing oversight for ongoing changes.
Council Leader, Cllr Liam Robinson, said that he is proud of everyone’s dedication and commitment in ending the intervention. However, he added that they still have work to do and teamed up with the Commissioners to establish an Improvement Panel to track their progress in transforming their services. He believes that this marks a new era for Liverpool, and combined with the Futures Panel’s work around regenerating Liverpool, this will do wonders for the city.
Liverpool City Council Chief Executive, Andrew Lewis, added that he has witnessed significant changes and is glad to see staff and councillors’ passion and determination. There is a strong commitment to improving services that genuinely affect the lives of their residents.
Lead Commissioner Mike Cunningham was pleased to recommend establishing a Statutory Assurance and Improvement Board in June. He acknowledged that the members and officers’ hard work enabled them to propose this move to a Board instead of continuing with Commissioners. The Board’s oversight and support make him confident that the council will implement the improvements successfully and provide stronger services to the people of Liverpool.
The full report can be accessed through https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/liverpool-city-council-commissioners-fifth-report
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