The next six months are “pivotal” for Liverpool Council according to a government minister.
A sense of “cautious optimism” has been felt by commissioners as they delivered their third report into their intervention at the city council. In a letter to the commissioners from Lee Rowley MP, local government minister, it was said despite the more positive outlook, the council faces “significant change” in the months ahead.
Mr Rowley wrote: “Thank you for your report of 13 February and for the continued work that you have been undertaking at Liverpool Council. I welcome the cautious optimism on the Council’s progress referenced in your report.
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“It is clear, however, that the council faces significant change in the months ahead with the appointment of a permanent chief executive and implementation of a senior officer structure, change in governance model and all out elections, and implementation of a transformation programme.”
Mr Rowley, a minister in the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities since September 2022, said those changes were “necessary” and “make clear that the council is taking the right steps to put the organisation on a stable footing.” He added: “However, change of this scale brings risks and it is important the Council does not allow this to derail its improvement journey.
“I share your view that the current leadership must maintain this pace, and that incoming leadership, at political and officer level, must seize the opportunity to build on the progress made to date.” Mr Rowley said the role of commissioners during the period of transition will be vital as they provide “continuity and leadership” to support the council.
The minister asked for continued monitoring of delivery of savings within the council and updates as the officials deem necessary. Mr Rowley wrote: “The next six months is clearly a pivotal time for the council.
“It is vital that the agreed budget savings and transformation plans are delivered, that the new leadership sets clear strategic priorities to guide and aid delivery, and that culture change and leadership improvements are embedded across the council. The council must also ensure that its improvement journey manifests in better service outcomes, which should be demonstrably measurable.
“I ask that you pay particular attention to these areas and provide a specific update in your next report.” The lack of changes requested by the commissioners to scope or length of the intervention “encouraged” the minister, he said, and the decision to end the intervention would only come “when the organisation has demonstrated that its improvement is sustainable.”
Mr Rowley added: “You have been clear that this is possible to be achieved in the next 18 months, but that it is not yet a given and will require determined leadership and focus. The continued strengthening of Liverpool is not yet a given and will be supported by the Liverpool Strategic Futures Panel.
“I see the Intervention and Panel as integral to providing a positive future for the city. Thank you again for the work you are doing to restore confidence in local democracy in Liverpool.”
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