Liverpool City Council has said that they take the findings of a report from government inspector, Max Caller CBE, into its Highways, Regeneration and Property Management functions extremely seriously.
The inspector has found failings in relation to land disposal, governance and the relationship between elected members and officers, and makes a series of recommendations to tackle them.
This includes sending commissioners to work alongside officers and councillors, a reduction in the number of councillors and a move to all-out elections every four years.
Mr Caller made it clear in his findings that he believes the council has already taken steps to address the issues since the arrival of Liverpool City Council Chief Executive, Tony Reeves in 2018.
The council has pledged to address all of the concerns raised and continue its journey of improvement, with an improvement plan to be published after May’s local elections.
Acting Mayor of Liverpool, Councillor Wendy Simon and Chief Executive, Tony Reeves said: “This is a difficult day for our organisation and we take the report findings extremely seriously.
“The inspector’s report has highlighted several failings, but there is a collective commitment from both councillors and officers to learn from these mistakes.
“We would like to reassure all residents and businesses that we will take action to address all of the issues highlighted. We know we need to rebuild your trust.
“It is reassuring that the inspector believes we have made progress in starting to deliver the wholesale changes needed.
“A detailed improvement plan is being drawn up and will be implemented in full.
“We will be open and transparent about the progress we are making on each of the recommendations.
“This includes restructuring the organisation to strengthen our governance and ensure our work is aligned with our pandemic Recovery Pledges and the City Plan.
“At the same time, we will ensure we keep delivering essential services and offering a helping hand to the people of our city.”
