Aerial view of Royal Liver Building, England

New Government commends Council’s improvements

The new Minister for Local Government has written to Liverpool City Council and praised the progress it has made on its improvement journey.

In a letter to Council Leader, Cllr Liam Robinson, Jim McMahon MP – Minister of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government – states that ‘the Cabinet and the Council’s leadership team have shown a clear dedication to provide well-needed stability to the Council and to improve the lives of the people of Liverpool’.

He also commended the establishment of Liverpool Improvement and Assurance Board, to ensure that momentum is maintained and independent experts hold the Council accountable. The Board is chaired by former Lead Commissioner, Mike Cunningham.

In a further encouraging sign, the Minister outlined that he and the Government are committed to resetting the relationship between central and local government, and that they are keen to work with Liverpool in a true partnership.

Council Leader, Cllr Liam Robinson, said: “It is pleasing to see that the hard work that has gone into transforming the Council has been recognised by the new Government.

“We are determined to build a strong relationship with Whitehall, and to work closely with them on our ambitions to become one of the leading councils in the country, and assist them in whatever we can in relation to delivering on their missions.

“We know we have still got a long way to go in terms of improving trust and confidence with residents, but firm building blocks are in place in relation to the structure and governance of the Council, and this is already starting to deliver real change on the ground.”

Mike Cunningham, Independent Chair of the Liverpool Improvement and Assurance Board, said: “I am very pleased to be supporting the Council on the next stage of its improvement journey.

“It has made, and continues to make, good progress but the leadership team recognises there is still lots to do.”

The full letter can be read here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/liverpool-city-council-letter-to-council-leader-5-august-2024/liverpool-city-council-letter-to-council-leader-5-august-2024

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