Liverpool City Council takes 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 councillors and a move to all-out elections every four years.
Crucially, Max Caller has made it clear that he believes the organisation has already taken steps to address the issues, since the arrival of Chief Executive Tony Reeves in 2018.
The council has pledged to address all of the concerns raised and continue its journey of improvement.
The council’s improvement plan will be published after the local elections.
Acting Mayor, Cllr 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.”
Due to a live criminal investigation, Liverpool City Council is unable to comment in detail about the findings of the report related to specific individuals.
