Mark Whitehead 27 January 2023

Commissioner ‘optimistic’ about council’s future

Commissioner ‘optimistic’ about council’s future  image
Image: Yossa Song / Shutterstock.com.

A Government-appointed commissioner says he is optimistic about Liverpool City Council's future despite warnings of ‘considerable uncertainty’ ahead.

Officials were sent to oversee some departments at the council in 2021 over a ‘serious breakdown of governance’.

Lead commissioner Mike Cunningham said a glimmer of hope about the council's future was beginning to shine through.

However, the commissioners warned there was ‘considerable uncertainty’ ahead.

Mr Cunningham spoke as the council faced a £73m budget gap, which could see services and jobs being cut.

A document outlining where savings could be made was published by the authority in November 2022.

The city’s mayor Joanne Anderson warned there could be a potential rise in council tax and an increase in fees and charges as well as a review of its libraries and fitness centres.

In a report to the council the commissioners praised the authority for identifying ‘significant savings’ and said it was taking an important step towards meeting its financial obligations.

But they warned: ‘However, there is still considerable uncertainty about the scale of the challenge, the robustness of the savings, and the adequacy of the response that will need to be addressed between now and when the final decisions are made in March.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Democratic Services, Elections & Monitoring Officer

Harborough District Council
Grade 12 £67,236 – £71,223 plus £3000pa Statutory Officer Allowance
We are looking for an accomplished and proactive leader for our vacant post of Head of Democratic Services & Elections Market Harborough, Leicestershire
Recuriter: Harborough District Council

Senior Support Officer

Royal Borough of Greenwich
SO2 - £38,934 to £40,755
Are you an experienced business administrative professional with a passion for delivering exceptional housing services? Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Deputy Team Manager

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£50,574 - £53,607
Strength in people. Strength in communities. Strength in diversity. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Business Change Accountant

Royal Borough of Greenwich
PO3 - £44,331 to £47,532
This is an exciting opportunity for a treasury and pensions specialist to join the Royal Borough of Greenwich Council’s Finance Team. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Damp Surveyor (DMC)

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£47,523 - £50,574
We are seeking experienced Damp Surveyors to join our Housing and Safer Communities department. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich
Linkedin Banner