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

Armed Forces Commissioner

Ministry of Defence
£170,000 per annum
This is a unique opportunity to serve as the independent champion for Service personnel London (Greater)
Recuriter: Ministry of Defence

Executive Director Finance, Governance and Assets (s151)

East Surrey
£153,592 - £168,952
Local government in Surrey is being reshaped for the first time in more than 50 years. East Surrey
Recuriter: East Surrey

Transport Planning Officer Policy

Brighton & Hove City Council
£35,570 - £40,444
We are seeking candidates with experience of working in transport and an interest in developing policies and transport schemes... Hove Town Hall, Norton Road, Hove, BN3 3BQ
Recuriter: Brighton & Hove City Council

Social Work Consultant

Durham County Council
Grade 13 £48,738 - £53,051
Are you passionate about working with children and families?   This could be the post for you!   WHAT IS INVOLVED?  As Social Work Consultant you will Newton Aycliffe
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Missing Children Coordinator

Durham County Council
Grade 7 £31,015 - £34,811
Are you passionate about improving outcomes for vulnerable children and young people? Do you have experience working with children who go missing, exp Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner