Liverpool enters next phase in recovery journey

Local government official Jim McMahon has complimented the "resolute and dedicated" leadership of Liverpool City Council as he discussed the upcoming phases in the city's path to recovery.

A committee chaired by ex-commissioner Mike Cunningham has been established to help the council with its continuous improvements in Liverpool.

Government inspectors were sent to the city in December 2020 after a police report raised concerns about the council's alleged involvement in bribery and fraud.

These discoveries led to more action being taken, and individuals were chosen to oversee the process in June of 2021.

Prior to the upcoming election in May, Secretary of Communities Michael Gove announced his plans to eliminate the commissioner system and instead set up a legally mandated assurance and improvement board.

The legal intervention came to a close when the commissioner appointments ended in June 2024.

This past Friday, the recently appointed government minister Mr. McMahon commended the council for their proactive decision to create the improvement board, even though no official announcements had been made by the government yet.

Mr. McMahon sent a letter to council leader Liam Robinson (from the Labour party) praising his efforts in overcoming difficulties in the past few months and successfully steering Liverpool in the right direction again.

The minister said: "You've shown great and dedicated leadership, and I can see that you've transformed Liverpool into a council that is quickly working towards reaching its full potential.

You have put in a lot of effort to get rid of the bad leadership, closed-mindedness, and failures in leading that used to be a problem for the council. I am amazed at how swiftly and successfully you have been able to introduce and make changes in the brief time you have been in power.

The leaders of the council have demonstrated a strong commitment to offering much-needed stability to the council and enhancing the quality of life for the residents of Liverpool.

This way of helping is a promise made by the deputy prime minister Angela Rayner to improve the connection between local and central government and collaborate to help with recovery and change.

Mr McMahon mentioned that he is eager to collaborate with the city council in a genuine partnership that benefits both the council and the residents of Liverpool.

This advisory board will offer guidance, push boundaries and provide knowledge in all areas of the council's operations and offerings.

The commissioners raised concerns about the council's property services in May, so the focus of upcoming board meetings will be on the property improvement plan.

Commissioners recommended that the council should "enhance its staffing capacity" in order to enhance the quality of reports on property decisions, ensuring they comply with council policy and show the best value.

Liverpool's top leader, Andrew Lewis, sent a letter to the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG) stating that the council agrees that there is still work to be done.

He said: "We see this as a big move away from the model where the commissioner takes the lead, and we promise to collaborate with the board and offer any help needed."

Mr. Lewis mentioned that the council has the appropriate political and administrative leadership and capability to make decisions independently. This allows commissioners to hand over their responsibilities with assurance.

He was pleased with Mr. Cunningham's new role as the chair of the improvement board. It will ensure that there is a seamless transition from his previous role as lead commissioner, and he believes that Mr. Cunningham will continue to contribute positively to the board.

Mr Lewis' letter concluded by promising that the council will collaborate positively with the improvement board, even if it is not required by law.

The board must provide a progress update to MHCLG by October.

The Local Government Association's evaluation of Liverpool's performance is expected to be released soon.