BREAKING: Govt to intervene at Liverpool City Council but hold short of taking full control

Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Robert Jenrick has confirmed that government comissioners will be appointed to assist Council Executives in the implementation of a recovery plan, after a government report uncovered “serious failings” in the running of Liverpool City Council.

Neighbouring councils, including Sefton Council, do not form part of the report, nor the appointment of government comissioners. The Liverpool City Region as a whole, including Metro Mayor Steve Rotherham, does not fall under the scope of the report.

Robert Jenrick said “certain and limited” parts of the Council would fall under the jurisdiction of comissioners.

The announcement means that comissioners will initially adopt a “hands-off” approach, so long as the Council executive implements their own recovery plan. Comissioners will remain in place for a maximum of three years.

Elections will continue as planned for councillors and Liverpool Mayor. Mr Jenrick also announced that elections will take place in Liverpool every year.

Decisions on whether to seize additional control of the Council will be made after Cabinet has had chance to respond after elections. The Council has until 24 May to respond.

The report was comissioned by the government following the arrest of five men on suspicion of corruption offences, including Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson. Mr Anderson denies all allegations, has not been charged.

Damien Moore, who was present in the House of Commons, asked the minister:”My constituency of Southport, although not in the Liverpool city area is part of the Liverpool City Region. Given our proximity this situation is causing alarm to my constituents. Will my right honourable friend take further action to allay any fears that my constituents have about our own local authority?”

Robert Jenrick replied: “I should say, again, that this report is specific to Liverpool City Council and is not a comment on the neighbouring councils that make up the Liverpool City Region but I understand that he may have concerns about his own Council and I’d be happy to discuss those.”