Liverpool City Council has pledged to rebuild people’s trust after the government announced it was stepping in to appoint commissioners to run the city.
As a bombshell report into the administration was published yesterday, Local Government Secretary, Robert Jenrick, delivered a statement to Parliament where he outlined the major problems that had been uncovered.
The report revealed serious problems and ‘a dysfunctional and intimidating culture’ within the council, as well as a ‘serious breakdown of governance.’
The plans included sending government-appointed commissioners into the city for a maximum of three years.
Acting Mayor Cllr Wendy Simon’s response
Cllr Wendy Simon, Acting Mayor of Liverpool, has reacted to the report by setting out Liverpool’s roadmap to recovery.
Offering Liverpool’s ten pandemic pledges, the council have set out how they will deliver social, health and economic benefits to the city, driving Liverpool’s recovery from Covid-19.
We’re absolutely committed to rebuilding trust in @lpoolcouncil and, as always, improving the lives of everyone in Liverpool.
Our 10 pledges set out how we will deliver social, health and economic benefits to the city and drive Liverpool’s recovery from Covid-19 #WeCanWorkItOut pic.twitter.com/dx4AKtCHNZ
— Liverpool City Council (@lpoolcouncil) March 25, 2021
Cllr Simon reacted to the Government intervention yesterday.
She said: ”It is a difficult day as me for Acting Mayor and all my colleagues who are so proud to work for the city.
”The report makes tough reading but we will do all we can to rebuild your trust and confidence in us.
”This is not the end of the story and doesn’t reflect the great work that our staff do for many of our communities.
”Going forward we will work together to make sure post-pandemic that we continue to provide those excellent services for those who are most vulnerable in our community.”
Chief Executive Tony Reeves’ response
Tony Reeves, Chief Executive of Liverpool City Council, said: ”The inspection report identifies serious failings in the council.
”But it also recognises that we’ve started to make progress and deal with the issues and Secretary of State, in his announcement, has said that he wants this to be a council-led improvement journey, overseen by commissioners, not led by commissioners, and I think that’s important.
”We will take on board those messages.
”We’ll reset the council and we will work really hard to deal with the improvements that we need to take forward.
”In the meantime we will continue to provide great services for the people in Liverpool.”
Picture credit: Kevin Jump
