Dec 19 2007 (http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-news/regional-news/2007/12/19/) by David Bartlett, Liverpool Daily Post
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LIVERPOOL council leader Warren Bradley is today expected to learn whether he will face a full investigation by the Standards Board for England, over a secret meeting with a former council employee.

It is expected the Standards Board will confirm it will launch an investigation, also likely to include regeneration leader Mike Storey, as he was present at the rendezvous with former city events manager Lee Forde.

It comes as the departure of Culture Company chief executive Jason Harborow is expected to be ratified today – just 12 days before the start of Capital of Culture year. Council chief executive Colin Hilton will ask an Appointments Panel for permission to broker a deal with Mr Harborow’s lawyers which is likely to cost tax-payers a pay-off of around £200,000.

It is understood Mr Harborow’s legal team have told the council his position was made “untenable” by Cllrs Bradley and Storey.

Cllr Bradley has publicly criticised Mr Harborow in the fall-out from the cancellation of this year’s Mathew Street Festival.

The pair both sit on the panel, but are likely to be barred from the meeting when the deal with Mr Harborow is raised.

It is believed the council’s external solicitor will tell the meeting why it would be in their best interests to reach a deal.

Cllrs Storey and Bradley face being disqualified from office for up to five years if the Standards Board finds they have broken the councillors’ Code of Conduct and refers the matter for adjudication. Last night they declined to comment.

An investigation would be Cllr Storey’s second in the space of three years.

A previous case centred on allegations he encouraged former council spin doctor Matt Finnegan “to undermine” then chief executive Sir David Henshaw.

In November, 2005, he was found guilty of bringing his office into disrepute, losing the leadership of the council as a result.

Mr Harborow earns £150,000 for his role at the Culture Company and as executive director of Culture, Media, and Sport at the city council.

It is thought the deal is worth around £200,000, and would see Mr Harborow technically stay in employment for a few more weeks.

Acting chief executive Kris Donaldson, operations director Bernice Law and chairman of the Culture Company board Bryan Gray are likely to assume Mr Harborow’s responsibilities.

Last night, a source said: “The council have taken legal advice and been advised they should make a settlement with Jason Harborow.

“There is a meeting tomorrow and the chief executive will ask for per-mission to enter into negotiations with Jason Harborow’s legal team.”

Mr Harborow returned to work at Millennium House on December 4, after eight weeks off sick, but has not been back since, although he has still been carrying out work.

The problems between him and senior councillors became known after the high-profile cancellation of the Mathew Street Festival.

In August, Cllr Bradley demanded, in an email to Mr Hilton, that Mr Harborow be relieved of his duties.

In November, after the release of the Mathew Street report, which cleared Mr Harborow, Cllr Bradley criticised the culture leader in an interview with the Daily Post.

When asked if Mr Harborow should resign, he said: “There has got to be some responsibility should-ered by senior management.” He also said problems with Mathew Street had arisen because of a lack of communication. Asked if he was referring to Mr Harborow, he said:

“Absolutely. If there was a breakdown in communication, the chief executive of the Culture Company should have been aware.”

Last week, Cllr Bradley requested the email requesting Mr Harborow be relieved of his duties be sent out to the council’s 90 elected members.

Last night, Labour leader Cllr Joe Anderson said: “I expect the Standards Board to look seriously at my complaint. I believe the only conclusion they can come to is that this sorry saga needs to be investigated. Not just for Liverpool’s reputation, but because it appears it could have financial implications for the city.”

A city council spokesman: “We do not discuss publicly any private and confidential matters concerning individual employees.” [URL="http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-news/regional-news/2007/12/19/culture-chief-to-step-down-as-council-leader-awaits-letter-from-standards-board-64375-20267472/2/"]more (http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-news/regional-news/2007/12/19/culture-chief-to-step-down-as-council-leader-awaits-letter-from-standards-board-64375-20267472/2/)

Labour will get back in power next May

Labour will get back in power next May

I hope so. Then no rejecting of one £billion projects like the Brunswick Quay Tower.

It always amazes me how high powered, mega buck earning 'leaders' get compo deals thrashed out for them being 'laid off' because of incompetance instead of just being plain sacked. They have more lives than a cat.

I thought Storey was thrown out a couple of years ago?

It always amazes me how high powered, mega buck earning 'leaders' get compo deals thrashed out for them being 'laid off' because of incompetance instead of just being plain sacked. They have more lives than a cat.

The top man at Smithkline Beecham would have made more money being sacked - multi, multi millions than working - golden parachute. Better for him to openly screw the secretary.

I thought Storey was thrown out a couple of years ago?


He was, over the Henshaw fiasco, however, they're reshuffled into the pack and given a new life, only seemingly to c-ock up again.

I thought Storey was thrown out a couple of years ago?

He resigned, over leaked emails that ex chief executive David henshaw should be sacked, Bradley brought him back in for a culture job.

Bradley, Storey will face probe
Dec 19 2007
by Nick Coligan, Liverpool Echo

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TWO of Liverpool’s most senior politicians WILL be investigated by politics watchdogs.

The Standards Board for England was called in last month to examine whether city leader Warren Bradley and his predecessor Mike Storey broke strict council rules.

Today the watchdogs confirmed they will conduct a full investigation of the two politicians.

The men were reported to the standards board earlier this month by Labour opposition leader Joe Anderson.

More (http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/local-news/2007/12/19/bradley-storey-will-face-probe-100252-20268726/)...

City leader could face five-year ban
Dec 20 2007
by Nick Coligan, Liverpool Echo

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TWO of Liverpool’s most senior politicians could be suspended for up to five years if they are found guilty of breaking council rules.

More (http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/local-news/2007/12/20/city-leader-could-face-five-year-ban-100252-20272737/)...

City leader could face five-year ban
Dec 20 2007
by Nick Coligan, Liverpool Echo

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/article/12072184.jpeg

TWO of Liverpool’s most senior politicians could be suspended for up to five years if they are found guilty of breaking council rules.

More (http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/local-news/2007/12/20/city-leader-could-face-five-year-ban-100252-20272737/)...

Why doesn't that surprise me...

When the Capital of Culture award was announced I thought it was the chance Liverpool had been waiting for to re-invent itself and shake off the appalling label that's been attached to it over the last thirty years. But no, that was not to be. Instead the award has highlighted just how badly the city is managed by a council which was not up to using the award to the city's advantage and were not even capable of appointing people who were. The CofC award has been the making of the cities who have hosted it but here it will go down as a shining example of municipal incompetence, mismanagement and greed which looks set to end up in court.

I take my hat off to the people who worked hard to bring it here and enthusiastically supported it since but I think it has been so tarnished by the the infighting of councillors and organisers, who put their own ambitions before those of the city that I personally would rather it had gone elsewhere.
Let's be honest, too many of those we elect as councillors have neither the probity, honesty or dignity to represent us or our city.

I think the culture year will still be a great year due to people of Liverpool and those delivering the performances/events, in effect it will be despite of the people at the top not because of them.

Reminded because Rex Makin mentioned this case in his Echo column today. It tells you everything about how council officers and executives stitch things up and buy themselves out of situations with our money when they get caught:

Liverpool Council ‘invented evidence’ to sack expert

Dec 11 2007 by Caroline Innes,

SENIOR executives at Liverpool City Council were last night accused of fabricating evidence to sack one of the city’s leading educational psychologists.

Yvonne Price, a popular and highly-regarded member of Liverpool Children’s Services’ educational psychology team, has now been reinstated in her job and awarded over £7,000 in damages after appealing against unfair dismissal.

The 49-year-old’s victory came just days before her case was to be heard at an employment tribunal where she was set to accuse senior officers in the council of spreading “spurious allegations against her leading to bullying”.

Liverpool council declined to comment on the case. A spokesman said: “We cannot comment on individual cases or disciplinary procedures involving members of our staff for confidentiality reasons.”

More (http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-news/regional-news/2007/12/11/liverpool-council-invented-evidence-to-sack-expert-64375-20232001/)

I think the culture year will still be a great year due to people of Liverpool and those delivering the performances/events, in effect it will be despite of the people at the top not because of them.

I think and hope you're right. It could have been done to the same effect costing a lot less to the taxpayer though when we consider the Archer/Henshaw/Storey/Harborow/ pay offs that have gone or yet to happen.

Warren Bradley inquiry to last six months
Dec 22 2007
by David Bartlett, Liverpool Daily Post

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THE investigation into allegations that Liverpool council leader Warren Bradley and regeneration leader Mike Storey conspired to oust the city’s culture leader is likely to last around six months.

More (http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-news/regional-news/2007/12/22/warren-bradley-inquiry-to-last-six-months-64375-20279516/)...

A £62m HOLE has been identified in Liverpool City Council’s budget for the next financial year, a new report has revealed. Read (http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-news/regional-news/2008/01/19/62m-hole-64375-20369240/)

'Wasteful' council costing city residents £100 each
Jan 25 2008 by Rob Merrick, Liverpool Daily Post

EVERY council taxpayer in Liverpool pays an extra £101 on their annual bill because of inefficiencies at Liverpool Town Hall – the worst record in the country.

That was the stark claim from the Government last night in a move which sparked a major war of words with Liverpool City Council.

Council leader Warren Bradley reacted with fury after ministers put the city at the top of a league table of local authorities with high bills because money is not spent efficiently.

John Healey, the local government minister, said Band D bills in Liverpool would be cut by £101 – or better services would be provided – if the Town Hall stamped out waste.

The study comfortably made Liverpool the authority where council taxpayers are hit hardest – ahead of Birmingham (£92), Leeds (£65), Lancashire (£50) and Norfolk (£50). Announcing a £185m support package to boost efficiency, Mr Healey said: “Council taxpayers and businesses rightly expect ever improving services and better value for money.

“The demand for efficiency has been driven by central government in the past, but in future this demand will increasingly, and rightly, come from local residents.

“It isn’t just about how much money the Government gives to councils. It is also about how much they can save themselves to improve services, or cut council tax bills.”

But Cllr Bradley quickly pointed out that, when the Liberal Democrats took control of Liverpool a decade ago, its council tax was the highest in the land.

Since then, bills had risen by just 1.2% a year – the lowest increase anywhere in the country – he said, adding: “We even froze council tax for three years and cut it by 3% in 2002.”

“We have achieved all this by dramatically cutting our costs by more than £150m, despite having reduced grants from the Government and increased costs placed on us every year.

“No council in the country has a better record than Liverpool in keeping council tax down, while at the same time improving services such as social care, education, parks, libraries and leisure centres.

“Our policies have given the private sector the confidence to invest in Liverpool which has led to billions of pounds being invested in the city.”

Last night, Liverpool won support from the Local Government Association, which said: “According to the Treasury, councils are the most efficient part of the public sector. If Whitehall were to follow the example set by councils, then perhaps people could look forward to a cut in their income tax.”

Asked to clarify, the department of communities and local government (DCLG) insisted its league table did not mean Liverpool was the most wasteful council.

Instead, it had worked out the potential savings at the 10 biggest spenders. The saving per bill was highest in Liverpool, because the city has fewer council taxpayers than some others.

Mr Healey also revealed plans to force all authorities to include details of how they rate on efficiency on council tax bills – as an incentive to cut waste.

Residents were “entitled to know how councils perform on efficiency when they receive their bills”, he added.

The minister said he wanted to claw back £4.9bn in efficiency savings over three years – 3% at each authority.

Audit Commission criticises Liverpool City Council
Jan 29 2008
by David Bartlett, Liverpool Daily Post

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LIVERPOOL City Council has been singled out as the only council in the country that performed below minimum requirements in the way it spends money.

The Audit Commission gave the council a score of one overall in its Use of Resources 2007 report into local authority finances.

Earlier this month district auditor Tim Watkinson warned Liverpool's "weak" financial position may continue to deteriorate in 2008.

The latest report from the Audit Commission released today also criticises the council for performing below minimum requirements in financial management and financial standing.

Deputy Labour leader Cllr Paul Brant said this was "concrete evidence" of financial mismanagement by the Liberal Democrat administration.

"Council tax payers are going to end up paying for their incompetence."

Source: Liverpool Daily Post (http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-news/regional-news/2008/01/29/audit-commission-criticises-liverpool-city-council-64375-20407879/)

Normal people when sacked just get sacked. These council Lizardmen get payoffs. :mad:

That cool web blog was blocked by these serpents because It spoke da truth.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reptilian_humanoid
Council Leaders true form.:eek:

don't know what the answer is but since i was born in 1964 i believe labour has been the power in the city and the place has never really lived to it's potential, give someone else ago

We need more left wing parties running things, right wingers are Lizard men In disguise.

Council faces £60m funding shortfall
Jan 30 2008
by Nick Coligan, Liverpool Echo

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LIVERPOOL faces a new cash crisis today after councillors were warned they will have to save tens of millions more pounds.

Even raising council tax by the maximum 5%, more than in recent years, would leave officials £60m out of pocket for this year’s budget.

More (http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/local-news/2008/01/30/council-faces-60m-funding-shortfall-100252-20412322/)...

Liverpool city council named as worst in country
Feb 6 2008 Nick Coligan

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breaking news

LIVERPOOL was today named and shamed the worst performing council in the country.

The city finished bottom of the national list.

It was one of just two authorities across the whole of England to receive a one-star “inadequate” rating.

The only other one-star council, Rutland, finished above Liverpool because its prospects for improvement were better.

Liverpool’s humiliating performance in this year’s comprehensive performance assessment (CPA) was blamed on the council’s handling of taxpayers’ money.

Last week Audit Commission inspectors said the council’s use of cash resources was the worst in the country.

That ****ing verdict was enough to send it crashing to the bottom of the national CPA list, even though five of its seven departments, notably education and social services, were said to be performing “well” or “strongly”.

At the end of the day, serious financial problems - such as the missing £20m to pay for Capital of Culture - were the overriding factor.

Embarrassingly for Liverpool, Sefton and St Helens councils received the top four-star mark while Wirral was given two. Knowsley is still waiting for its final rating.

The Liverpool report said: “There is a significant risk that the council will not be able to maintain an adequate level of improvement given the financial pressures it is currently facing, most notably, but not exclusively, meeting Capital of Culture funding commitments.

“The continuing weaknesses in the council’s governance arrangements are also a concern.”

Politicians today claimed the strong performance of the council’s other departments meant it did not deserve its position at the foot of the national list.

But opposition councillors voiced fears about some “tough decisions” over the next few weeks as officials try to get a grip on the town hall’s financial problems.

Last month it was revealed the council must make £60m savings in next month’s budget - including finding the £20m needed to pay for Capital of Culture.

Council leader Warren Bradley said he was “very disappointed” with the one-star score.

He said: “Capital of Culture is putting pressure on our finances. But we are determined to make this special year a success.

“I have been working with the chief executive to draw up a plan to put our finances on a firm footing while keeping the next council tax increase to a minimum.

“We have received much better scores for many services we deliver with education, social services, benefits and the environment all performing very well.

“It is disappointing that the star system’s rules, particularly around the use of resources, should effectively label Liverpool as one of the worst performers in the country when that is clearly not the case.”

But opposition leader Joe Anderson said: “This blows apart the Liberal Democrats’ claim that they took Liverpool to the top of the premier league of councils.

“The evidence is there to see - we are struggling in the relegation zone after 10 years of incompetence.

“This council could not even plan the finances for Capital of Culture despite having five years to do so.

“The city must now brace itself for more of the same.

“That is why I am glad the chief executive has heeded my calls to bring in outside bodies to help draw up a plan to take us out of this financial mess.”

The council’s action plan is aimed at improving its financial performance and possibly lifting next year’s CPA rating back up to the two stars it received last year.

Local authority bosses hope next month’s budget, due to be approved on March 5, will finally answer the Capital of Culture funding question.

Cllr Bradley and chief executive Colin Hilton will appoint a panel of independent experts, known as the Liverpool Strategic Improvement Partnership, to help them put together an improvement programme.

Despite the embarrassing one-star rating overall there were some highlights in this year’s CPA report.

The benefits department received four stars, while education, social services and environment were all given three, meaning they were performing well.

Culture, which covers libraries, parks and leisure facilities rather than the Capital of Culture programme, got a two-star, “adequate” rating.

The housing department was also handed a one-star verdict.

But Liverpool’s council homes are in line for £300m of improvements when they are handed over to a new housing association in April.

Even thought the council dropped from two stars to one the Audit Commission decided it was “improving adequately”.

The report said: “The council has continued to make improvements to many of its key services, such as education and social care, and is working well with partners on issues such as crime reduction and improving health.

“The council is beginning to address poor recycling levels and the condition of housing although this is still a major challenge for future years.

“The council is continuing to promote the economic regeneration of the city.

“Significant schemes such as transforming the docks, the arena and convention centre, the cruise liner facility, waterfront developments and retail centres are progressing well.”

Today Mr Hilton challenged the one-star rating saying Liverpool had fallen victim to tough Audit Commission criteria.

He said: “The overall one-star rating is a direct result of the council being awarded just one star for use of resources.

“Audit Commission rules state a one-star score in this category automatically leads to an overall one-star rating. This is despite the fact the council is characterised as either performing well or strongly in five out of seven categories.

“We are already taking action on a range of measures to improve our performance in the use of resources including a new system for more effective management of the council’s assets.

“The council has put in place steps to develop more robust financial planning.

“But this has not been helped by historic problems such as a lack of reserves.”

KNOWSLEY> > >

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Keep up

Liverpool: England’s worst local authority
Feb 7 2008
by David Bartlett, Liverpool Daily Post

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THE poor state of Liverpool City Council’s finances today sees it named the worst local authority in the country – for the second time in weeks.

More (http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-news/regional-news/2008/02/07/liverpool-england-s-worst-local-authority-64375-20444992/)...

it would seem a great city with apparently great people lead into doom and gloom by a gang of tossers, why do people persevere putting socialists in charge of the city, I dunno who could change things but a socialist leadership doesn't appear to have ever worked , or has it , maybe i missed something

Yes you have - it is a Liberal Democrat Council!

I stand corrected then, i'm well out of the loop over here, maybe we should get degsy back and get this show back on the road

this is well weird , I replied to your post and it's shown before your post, i think the communists have been fiddling with them

I was editing the thread when you posted - that caused the confusion. Btw I'm an ex-communist!!! :)

I was editing the thread when you posted - that caused the confusion. Btw I'm an ex-communist!!! :)

your obviously very proud, I don't care what peoples political persuasions are whatsover , I just see liverpool city council as forever being useless and an embarrasment,

It is the amount of public money that has been squandered by this administration that concerns me. Nobody seems to be getting held to account. :disgust:

Official: Liverpool city council is worst - yes, the WORST - in the country
Feb 7 2008
by Nick Coligan, Liverpool Echo

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LIVERPOOL has been named and shamed as the worst performing council in the country.

More (http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/local-news/2008/02/07/official-liverpool-city-council-is-worst-yes-the-worst-in-the-country-100252-20446758/)...

Fears grow council won't listen to worst tag warning
Feb 8 2008
by David Bartlett, Liverpool Daily Post

THE head of the Audit Commission last night said he was worried that Liverpool City Council would not take proper action after it was labelled the worst local authority in the country.

Michael O’Higgins, chairman of the commission, was critical of the “defensiveness” of the council after Liverpool was given a one-star rating, down from two, in the annual Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA).

More (http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-news/regional-news/2008/02/08/fears-grow-council-won-t-listen-to-worst-tag-waring-64375-20450770/)...

They wheeled out a pen pusher from the Town Hall onto Radio Merseyside last night to tell everyone how good they are so it's too right they won't take heed.

Every day council makes a mockery of our culture title
Feb 11 2008
Lawrence Westgaph Liverpool Echo

LAST week I was horrified to discover that the city planning manager is recommending an application to demolish the Gregson Memorial Institute in Garmoyle Road, Wavertree.

Isabella Gregson founded the Institute in 1897 in memory of her family, most notably Matthew Gregson, the great cultural pioneer of 18th century Liverpool.

It included accommodation for lectures, an art gallery and museum ‘for the promotion of Literature and the Arts and Sciences’.

The building has a unique Arts and Crafts interior including marble floors, burnished copper detailing and truly stunning tile work.

It is obvious that Isabella spared no expense in building a memorial to the Gregson family’s contribution to the cultural life of Liverpool over two centuries.

Every day it seems the council makes a mockery of our title of Capital of Culture by sanctioning the destruction of the built heritage of our city.

Since I started writing for the ECHO some council employees have criticised me for my opinions, but how any of these "public servants" can complain, when they continue to sanction such barbarous acts as the destruction of this unique cultural gem, is beyond me.

Who is governing this town when the legacy of great women like Isabella Gregson can be consigned to the dustbin of history for nothing more than an ‘any-town’ block of student flats?

Some councillors are going to try to save the building, but please people of Liverpool, take the opportunity in May to show this council what you think of their outrageous policies, paying off failing employees, wasting massive amounts of money on futile plans and selling the soul of this city to speculators who care nothing about Liverpudlians or our proud history.

I for one am totally sick of it, but it is our own fault. Low turnouts at elections really must become a thing of the past if the people of Liverpool are to benefit from so-called regeneration.

Who can we blame but ourselves if we continue to have less than 20 per cent of the electorate going to the ballot?

If our apathy continues to win the day and we don’t vote at election time we are relieving our elected officials of their responsibility to their constituents, giving them carte blanche to do what they want instead of what we want.

But to be honest is it any wonder many of us are so disaffected by politics when the city administration is constantly showing itself in a bad light?

We need new blood in the political arena; all the political parties should be trying to attract young local people to join and schools should be educating kids on the importance of participating in the political system.

It’s not just in America where it is time for a change; it is time for the people of Liverpool to take control of this city.

Hopefully the year of Capital of Culture will be a watershed, where we finally throw off the stereotype of inept local government and allow the real talented people of Liverpool to finally shine through.

Source: Liverpool Echo (http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/views/liverpool-columnists/lawrence-westgaph/2008/02/11/every-day-council-makes-a-mockery-of-our-culture-title-100252-20462178/)

We got a letter through the door about the Gregson a few months ago, It's 4 streets from me Is a fine building. The letter said there could even be a planning application for student accommodation!

If that happens I will chain myself to the Gregson, the Garmoyle streets and Garmoyle Itself has enough of these already. They are serpent seeds who leave the roads littered with beer cans, Pizza boxes and construction signs they stole.

They are still welcome to knock on the door to bring over a box of quality street though If my mum helps them out though since quality street rules. They can bring In more female ones for this reason and because there voices are so soft and sooth my bestial heart.

If the fat builders or fat police try to unchain me, I will go Terminator like In the 1st one where Arnie took on a whole police station.:PDT_Aliboronz_24:

The Government need to Terminate Liverpool City Council, It's a shame Arnie Isn't a council member over here or In power.

If they didn't put these failing employees under contract, then they wouldn't have to pay them off. The jobs probably don't look as attractive without a contract deal though. They probably don't hire enough people from Liverpool for the culture planning either, some seem to be serpent Londoners.

You go for it Max!!!

:PDT6

Councillors accused of risking Liverpool’s future
Feb 19 2008
by David Bartlett, Liverpool Daily Post

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THE poor behaviour of councillors in Liverpool is holding the city back and putting improvements in the quality of life of residents at risk, a report reveals today.

According to the Audit Commission, some councillors are too scared to speak at meetings for fear of being shouted at or ridiculed, and “personally abusive language and aggressive behaviour” is regularly seen at meetings.

The council was also criticised for not knowing what assets it has, and an example was given of a proposal to spend £40,000 to hire accommodation when there was existing vacant space in city buildings.

More (http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-news/regional-news/2008/02/19/councillors-accused-of-risking-liverpool-s-future-64375-20492332/)...

Councillors accused of risking Liverpool’s future
Feb 19 2008
by David Bartlett, Liverpool Daily Post

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/liverpoolpost/feb2008/1/1/2F1437A9-EFB0-9B11-FC9A9551CA87AAC2.jpg

THE poor behaviour of councillors in Liverpool is holding the city back and putting improvements in the quality of life of residents at risk, a report reveals today.

According to the Audit Commission, some councillors are too scared to speak at meetings for fear of being shouted at or ridiculed, and “personally abusive language and aggressive behaviour” is regularly seen at meetings.

The council was also criticised for not knowing what assets it has, and an example was given of a proposal to spend £40,000 to hire accommodation when there was existing vacant space in city buildings.

More (http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-news/regional-news/2008/02/19/councillors-accused-of-risking-liverpool-s-future-64375-20492332/)...



scared and ridiculed, they would be better suited to growing panseys

Its all a question of choice, do you let labour take over again considering what they did the last time that and Joe Anderson as a leader; no way, no thanks.

Do you let the lib dems back in for another term considering that even if Bradley /Storey etc. are no longer the leaders they will still be the policy developers behind the scenes.

conservitive, no thanks simple as that.

So which party do we vote for a bunch of idiots led by a clown or a bunch of clowns led by an idiot?

Liverpool needs a new polictical party, more of a centre party, with new thinking and ideas. One which can have the capability to organise a pissup in a brewery

Its all a question of choice, do you let labour take over again considering what they did the last time that and Joe Anderson as a leader; no way, no thanks.

Do you let the lib dems back in for another term considering that even if Bradley /Storey etc. are no longer the leaders they will still be the policy developers behind the scenes.

conservitive, no thanks simple as that.

So which party do we vote for a bunch of idiots led by a clown or a bunch of clowns led by an idiot?

Liverpool needs a new polictical party, more of a centre party, with new thinking and ideas. One which can have the capability to organise a pissup in a brewery

Perhaps you should focus on the candidiates more than the parties, particularly with the increased number of independents standing in local elections. Independents do not have to abide by a party line or manifesto and can vote as they see fit, according to their conscience - making them a potentially attractive choice for voters disenchanted with the big, established parties.

Or, alternatively, you may wish to support the campaign for a new workers' party here (http://www.cnwp.org.uk/). :slywink:

http://icliverpool.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/tm_headline=last-minute-listing-saves-historic-institute-building%26method=full%26objectid=20493233%26sitei d=50061-name_page.html



.

Nice one Howie :)

Liverpool councillors plan to outlaw Happy Meals :rolleyes:
Feb 25 2008
Liverpool Daily Post

LIVERPOOL council is considering a move to outlaw McDonald’s Happy Meals on the grounds that they are damaging the health of children.

Councillors in the city claim the burger giant is contributing to the epidemic of childhood obesity by offering free toys and gifts in order to encourage purchases of junk food.

Members of Liverpool council’s Childhood Obesity scrutiny group want a by-law that would forbid the sale of fast food accompanied by toys.

More (http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-news/regional-news/2008/02/25/liverpool-councillors-plan-to-outlaw-happy-meals-64375-20519240/)...

Liverpool councillors plan to outlaw Happy Meals :rolleyes:
Feb 25 2008
Liverpool Daily Post

LIVERPOOL council is considering a move to outlaw McDonald’s Happy Meals on the grounds that they are damaging the health of children.

Councillors in the city claim the burger giant is contributing to the epidemic of childhood obesity by offering free toys and gifts in order to encourage purchases of junk food.

Members of Liverpool council’s Childhood Obesity scrutiny group want a by-law that would forbid the sale of fast food accompanied by toys.

More (http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-news/regional-news/2008/02/25/liverpool-councillors-plan-to-outlaw-happy-meals-64375-20519240/)...

every fish and chip shop in liverpool will have to be shut down as well, they need to get a grip, the phrase i'm thinking of is silly little knobheads but i don't think its allowed on this site,albeit not toys but food lumped in cholesterol, faat etc, that has no government health warning, stats etc......... and the odd stray chippy that sells cat dressed up as beef chow mein, ......... i'd rather have the toy i think

They can't force McDonalds what they can or can't sell. The parents don't have to buy the Happy Meals so excessive for their kids.

Parents should be getting their kids higher protein foods which fast food places tend to lack In.

give it to them solid 7 days in a row, ........ i bet they wouldn't want much more after that, its a load of muck, i eat it myself now and then, but everyday would knock me sick

Last time when I went to McDonalds was last summer only because there was no where else near to eat and I was at a photography group meet up and they were all going there.

In 2004 I still felt hungry after eating a McD once.:eek:

I prefer to go Greggs which Is like Sayers the Bakers although they ain't any better than McDonalds I guess, but I'm put off places like McDonalds and KFC.

They can't force McDonalds what they can or can't sell. The parents don't have to buy the Happy Meals so excessive for their kids. .They can, and hopefully will, outlaw the sale of toys and other non-food items marketed to kids and linked to the sale of food.

They can, and should, require that chains of food outlets (10 or more nationwide that share a trade dress) post the Calorie numbers alongside each offering on every menu. This latter is already done in some USA cities and has decimated sales of milkshakes.

There is every reason to allow people the choice to buy unhealthy and/or high calorie foods if that is what they want. There is no excuse for using trade dress and related marketing techniques to conceal from people or distract them from the nature of what they are buying. Requiring disclosure of Calorie numbers is not an undue burden on chains (where it might be on a sole independent outlet) and is helpful to consumers in their fight against child obesity.

In 2004 I still felt hungry after eating a McD once.:eek:




Max, you can't blame Maccies if you still felt hungry all year after eating there once.

For a true square meal, try an oxo cube. ;)

every fish and chip shop in liverpool will have to be shut down as well, they need to get a grip, the phrase i'm thinking of is silly little knobheads but i don't think its allowed on this site,albeit not toys but food lumped in cholesterol, faat etc, that has no government health warning, stats etc......... and the odd stray chippy that sells cat dressed up as beef chow mein, ......... i'd rather have the toy i think

Fully agree there, what next monitors in the aisles at Tescos cecking how many packest of biscuits are being thrown in the trolley? They omit to say it is actually possible to buy happy meals with carrots/fruit bag instead of the chips and water instead of sugary drink. Its all about parental responsibility not the council removing the basic human right to let parents allow their children to eat what they want - we already have a list of haves and have nots for my sons packed lunch.

Council tax shock: Pay more & get less
Feb 27 2008
by Nick Coligan, Liverpool Echo

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/liverpoolecho/feb2008/5/0/F382AD00-B4AF-1A75-B2B9BEC9CEC61E32.jpg

TAX bills will rise by almost the highest possible amount as Liverpool council battles its cash crisis.

Charges will go up by 4.9% this year – just 0.1% below the government cap – meaning an increase of £39 a year for most city households.

But about 200 jobs will have to go as the council tries to make more than £60m of savings over the next 12 months.

Officials today said they were confident the vast majority of posts would be lost through voluntary redundancies and not replacing employees who leave.

The move is part of a massive service review, which will save the council about £13.4m this year.

Other major implications include:

Increasing charges at council-owned car parks.

Reducing opening hours at some sports centres.

Cutting the number of new library books, although 80,000 will still be bought.

Transferring some social services work to private agencies.

Closing a day nursery attended by 12 children.

Freezing councillors’ allowances.

Transferring Newhall swimming pool, in Fazakerley, to a private operator.

Behind-the-scenes efficiency savings, aimed at cutting red tape and bureaucracy, will reduce town hall costs by a further £21.3m.

They include paying out less money to private agencies, managing job vacancies better and accessing new sources of funding.

Council leader Warren Bradley said: “We have looked closely at whether we need to do certain things in line with our aims and priorities.

“We have always been of the opinion that we want to keep council tax as low as possible, while delivering services to the most vulnerable people in the city.

“The decisions we have come to today through the service review will not affect the vast majority of people in the city.

“In the present financial climate, it is incumbent on us to concentrate on the core business of the council.

“Liverpool is still doing things that maybe other councils do not do any more.

“It has been tough this year because Liverpool’s grant from the government was lower than all the other major cities in the country.”

Meanwhile, the council has also drawn up a “plan B” to find a missing £20m to pay for Capital of Culture.

It is still holding out hope that the government will give it permission to borrow the cash via a process known as capitalisation.

But it is still waiting for an answer to its request, a year after it was first made, despite lobbying by city councillors and MPs.

The ECHO understands the plan B, which will be formally unveiled to councillors on Friday, involves freeing up money from council accounts – with no impact on council tax bills.

Cllr Bradley said: “We are told capitalisation is still a live option and we are still hopeful of getting it.

“But plan B is also deliverable and we have worked hard on that. It would not impact on council tax.”

This year’s budget, which will be presented to councillors next week, also responds to some of the recent criticism by the independent Audit Commission to the council’s handling of money.

It includes a medium-term financial plan, which says the next two tax increases will be 3.9%, and will increase the council’s savings from £7.5m to £10m.

The Audit Commission had branded Liverpool’s financial performance as the worst in the country, describing it as “inadequate”.

Opposition leader Joe Anderson said: “This budget is an admittance that the council’s finances are in a total mess.

“The council promised financial stability but they have failed to deliver on that miserably.

“The budget highlights more pain for the people of the city, with a council tax rate of nearly 5% and more devastating cuts to services on their way.”

The money problems hurting the city

LIVERPOOL council’s financial problems first surfaced just over a year ago.

Senior councillors admitted they faced having to slash £50m from last year’s budget – and a host of draconian measures were suggested.

The well-documented missing £20m to pay for Capital of Culture was also revealed for the first time, with a spending freeze threatened if the money was not found.

Opposition councillors blamed previous council budgets, which chose not to raise council tax bills and even reduced them – helping Liverpool lose its status as the highest charger in the country.

But when last year’s budget emerged the situation was not as bad as predicted, with households facing a 2.9% rise – about £22 for most city properties.

Crucially, the Capital of Culture payment was deferred for 12 months, with officials pursuing several options for finding it.

But at the start of this year the council was hit with d*mning criticism from the independent Audit Commission, which monitors town hall finances.

It was told its handling of taxpayers’ money was the worst in the country, with the missing 2008 cash a crucial factor.

Then, a week later, it was named and shamed as the worst performing council in the country, predominantly down to its financial performance.

All this came on the back of more predictions of a tough budget, with officials warning £60m would have to be cut.

Liberal Democrat council leader Warren Bradley promised a “detailed action plan” to put finances on a firm footing – while the Labour opposition demanded to play a part in this year’s budget-setting.

The rest of Merseyside

WHAT will this year’s council tax increase be in other parts of Merseyside?

Wirral council was the first to set its budget last week. It agreed a 3.5% rise, meaning Band A households will pay £919 a year, up from £886. It also doubled the discount for over-75s to 2%.

Sefton council is due to agree its budget at a council meeting tomorrow. The Liberal Democrat, Labour and Conservative groups are working together on a cross-party proposal. Council leader Tony Robertson said the council tax increase is likely to be below 3%.

Knowsley council will meet on March 4 to set its budget, although no proposals have yet been made public.

St Helens council is due to meet on March 5, when a council tax increase of 2.5% – an extra 34p a week for Band A properties – is likely to be approved.

What you'll have to pay

BAND 2007/08 2008/09 INCREASE PER WEEK

BAND A 795.94 834.94 75p

BAND B 928.60 974.10 87p

BAND C 1061.25 1113.25 1.00

BAND D 1193.91 1252.41 1.12

BAND E 1459.22 1530.72 1.37

BAND F 1724.54 1809.04 1.62

BAND G 1989.85 2087.35 1.87

BAND H 2387.82 2504.82 2.25

nick.coligan@liverpool.com

Source: Liverpool Echo (http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/local-news/2008/02/27/council-tax-shock-pay-more-get-less-100252-20530044/) :disgust:

If Labour were in power and the same thing had happened you can best the Echo wouldn't publish it.

Trinity Mirror group are very supportive of the Labour party and they are desperate to see them in control again.

75p per household per week for the majority of houses doesn't seem excessive when you think about how utilities companies are hiking their prices up.

75p per household per week for the majority of houses doesn't seem excessive when you think about how utilities companies are hiking their prices up.

When you put it like that it doesnt, especially when the council will be hit with increased heating, electric and water costs in its buildings.

How anybody can defend the financial mismangement and incompetence of this council is beyond me. The million pounds of public money that have been squandered due to a Lib-Dem party at constant war with itself from Henshaw v Storey to date. Just what have the ordinary working people of Liverpool gained from this administration - absolutely nothing! And Blue Lou when did the Trinity Group support the workers? - the second longest industrial dispute in this city, that of the City Council's child care social workers, went unreported in both the Daily Post and Liverpool Echo. Yes Ged the rise in utility prices are outrageous but two wrongs don't make a right. The cuts to jobs and services in the city so far indicated are only just the beginning. Stop burying your heads in the sand and pretending it doesn't matter and that all parties would be the same. Vote independent, support the campaign for a new workers party, or whatever. You don't have to accept this. At least exercise your right to vote. Let's not have another 11% turnout at the next local elections.

Liverpool council to axe 200 jobs to balance books
Feb 27 2008

TAX bills will rise by almost the highest possible amount as Liverpool council battles its cash crisis.

Charges will go up by 4.9% this year – just 0.1% below the government cap – meaning an increase of £39 a year for most city households.

But about 200 jobs will have to go as the council tries to make more than £60m of savings over the next 12 months.

More (http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-news/regional-news/2008/02/27/liverpool-council-to-axe-200-jobs-to-balance-books-64375-20530527/)...

How anybody can defend the financial mismangement and incompetence of this council is beyond me.


Forget political colour. This council are plain inept. They are aimless. The city is at a crossroads. What happens now will affect the city greatly in decades to come.

Look at the mass of construction going on. The redundant World Heritage Dock waters. The integrated transport schemes. Each one has to be right with an overall master strategic plan. The each one has to mesh into the other.

Transport is joke as the spent 70 million on a study for Big Ears trams: trundle, trundle, trundle, ding, ding, ding. We have rapid transport Merseyrail which needs enhancing and extending. The city is littered with disused historic rail tunnels and station and an easy to implement Circle Line can be constructed promoting inner city regeneration. Now they are on about Big Ears trams again. What world are they in?

The dock waters need to be merged into the city's social fabric and we should be living on them. What do we get? An out of place arena with accompanying buildings of no architectural merit whatsoever, right next to the largest collection of grade 1 listed buildings in the country. Opposite the dock water the scheme should have been and even its own railway tunnel is there.

They allow a shark organisations to in-fill docks to canal boats depths to make money from dumping, precluding deep water vessels, tall and historic and visiting ships, from using docks. Peel have told the Manxman company they can't accommodate the historic "Manxman" in Liverpool or Birkenhead.

The example of the Brunswick Quay Tower is shameful. All LibDem councilors voted against an iconic world-class tower of one billion pounds investment into the city which would spur regeneration of the south end.

And a fact of life is that Manchester Labour party does well - many believe it's because they are the same colour of the government. Probably right as it is easier to pull string when under the same umbrella.

Best they are voted out ASAP. Their record is poor. Time to go.

Yes - they have singularly failed as a lead body in every project that they have been involved. :disgust:

I dont think Labour will get in this time, in fact I wouldnt be surprised if they didnt want to. They may think its better to step back and let the culture year be a shambles and tax rises bite before coming in as the saviours in May 09.

[size=6]Opposition leader Joe Anderson said: “This budget is an admittance that the council’s finances are in a total mess.

“The council promised financial stability but they have failed to deliver on that miserably.

“The budget highlights more pain for the people of the city, with a council tax rate of nearly 5% and more devastating cuts to services on their way.”
:

Will 'Comrade' Anderson be putting in an alternative budget? I shall not be holding my breath waiting for an answer.

:PDT_Xtremez_12:

Will 'Comrade' Anderson be putting in an alternative budget? I shall not be holding my breath waiting for an answer.

:PDT_Xtremez_12:

the Labour opposition demanded to play a part in this year’s budget-setting.

:slywink:

Council taxes to go up an average £67 a household
Feb 28 2008
by David Bartlett, Liverpool Daily Post

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/liverpoolpost/oct2007/7/0/7A178CC6-CE31-1DCD-264BF884CF4AE9E9.jpg

COUNCIL tax bills across Liverpool will increase by a total of 4.8%, or £67 for the average household.

More (http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-news/regional-news/2008/02/28/council-taxes-to-go-up-an-average-67-a-household-64375-20533862/)...

Howie the problem i have with voting for independents is that there is no collectivity except on major issues that the majority of voters want. Unfortunatly thats how this council works too.

Would be an interesting thread if we came up with our own vision for the future of liverpool

How anybody can defend the financial mismangement and incompetence of this council is beyond me. The million pounds of public money that have been squandered due to a Lib-Dem party at constant war with itself from Henshaw v Storey to date. Just what have the ordinary working people of Liverpool gained from this administration - absolutely nothing! And Blue Lou when did the Trinity Group support the workers? - the second longest industrial dispute in this city, that of the City Council's child care social workers, went unreported in both the Daily Post and Liverpool Echo. Yes Ged the rise in utility prices are outrageous but two wrongs don't make a right. The cuts to jobs and services in the city so far indicated are only just the beginning. Stop burying your heads in the sand and pretending it doesn't matter and that all parties would be the same. Vote independent, support the campaign for a new workers party, or whatever. You don't have to accept this. At least exercise your right to vote. Let's not have another 11% turnout at the next local elections.

So are you saying another council wouldn't have put council tax prices up, We all know Derek Hatton froze them and that only resulted in major hikes years later which are harder to stomach then gradual increases which are hardly noticed. I can't defend the CoC wasting but it's alleged and looks like the increase doesn't cover that.

It is not the increase in council tax, and cuts to jobs and services that is the issue. They are but consequences. The issue is the £62m hole in the budget which has been attributed by the Audit Commission and others to financial mismanagement by Liverpool City Council's Liberal Democrat administration.

Labour call on safety
Feb 28 2008
Liverpool Echo

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/icliverpool/may2004/5/6/00082698-F71C-10B1-A1C880BFB6FA00D1.jpg

OPPOSITION politicians will propose a number of changes to this year’s budget.

Although Labour councillors will not put forward an alternative to the Liberal Democrats’ plan, they will ask for more money to go into certain areas.

Labour opposition leader Joe Anderson said: “We believe the PR budget should be cut by 50% and the money invested in two areas.

“We want to increase the size of the planning department to make sure developers do not have to wait months for applications to be processed.

“More expertise should be brought in from the business sector and the number of staff drastically increased.

“Secondly, more money should go into community safety, such as more park and dog wardens.

“The police are investing in extra officers and we should be supporting that work.”

The amendments will be discussed at next week’s budget meeting.

Source: Liverpool Echo (http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/local-news/2008/02/28/labour-call-on-safety-100252-20533664/)

Although Labour councillors will not put forward an alternative to the Liberal Democrats’ plan, they will ask for more money to go into certain areas.

Why not put forward an alternative budget? Seems a cop out to me.

Howie the problem i have with voting for independents is that there is no collectivity except on major issues that the majority of voters want. Unfortunatly thats how this council works too.

Would be an interesting thread if we came up with our own vision for the future of liverpool

I think you are probably right. In the short term, at least, we are stuck with party politics in local government. We do however need a council led by a party that is not characterised by in-fighting and can work with central government - a choice of one in my view. The immediate priority, of course, must be to balance the books by whoever is in power. In the longer term, maybe having an elected mayor would be a way forward, (see A Mayor for Liverpool.org (http://www.amayorforliverpool.org/)).

Seems a cop out to me.

Would you want to try and sort this mess out if you were the opposition?

Would you want to try and sort this mess out if you were the opposition?

If I intended to form the council then the answer would be yes, Howie.

I thought part of being the 'opposition' was to get in and sort the previous partys mess out by implementing your own policies, isn't that what all new powers have to do?

I'm sure they will, if/when elected.

From what i've seen in the media, the labour party in Liverpool only seem to agree to disagree with everything and anything that is proposed by the Lib Dems.

If they had a planned and thought out strategy to move this city forward which was openly publicised and a hymn sheet for the rest of the party to sing to, that was both sensible and pushed for more freedom from local government, that aimed to bring buisness to Liverpool from corporations to new SME's, that held a balanced view between regeneration and heritage, that had ideas on social regeneration, had ideas on law and order, had a position on recycling on a city wide level, had views on sustainable housing, had any ideas then i might vote for them. At the minute they seem like they can't organise a pissup in Cains.


Same can be said of Lib dems.

Blears backs mayor voting
Feb 29 2008
by Neil Hodgson, Liverpool Echo

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/article/11162100/2008/02/29/12104679.jpeg

COMMUNITIES Secretary Hazel Blears today called for more elected mayors in the UK.

Speaking at the Labour party’s spring conference in Birmingham, Mrs Blears said they brought extra accountability and profile.

Ex-BBC presenter Liam Fogarty is campaigning for an elected mayor for Liverpool.

Source: Liverpool Echo (http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/local-news/2008/02/29/blears-backs-mayor-voting-100252-20541252/)

Being that Liverpool Is a big city, why Is It only now that were getting things that most supposed major cities had like a proper International Airport for example?

because of the way we are governed. If we moved more towards a city region instead of a collection of councils all doing their own thing, we'd be able to offer more to busisness and to the workforce equally as a region than the way we are going about it at the minute.

Found this, it looks an interesting concept which we as a region could adopt to become more competitive.

http://www.nlgn.org.uk/pdfs/upload/CRCreportFINAL1.pdf


*Edit note- Helps if i add the link"

BT helps fill Culture cash hole - but only if it keeps contract
Mar 1 2008
by David Bartlett, Liverpool Daily Post

LIVERPOOL council has been forced to turn to one of its private sector partners to help create a Plan B to fill the £20m hole in Capital of Culture finances.

More (http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-news/regional-news/2008/03/01/bt-helps-fill-culture-cash-hole-but-only-if-it-keeps-contract-64375-20544523/)...

Workers shocked as two city care homes face closure
Mar 1 2008
by Luke Traynor, Liverpool Echo

CARE WORKERS today spoke of their shock after they were told that two Liverpool care homes were set to close.

Liverpool council has revealed that Leighton Dene residential home, in Fazakerley, and the Boaler Street rehabilitation unit, in Kensington, will be axed.

The homes are used by hundreds of elderly patients, many with debilitating illnesses such as Alzheimer’s or dementia.

Up to 80 staff will be affected by the decision, which will go ahead if the council’s budget proposals, which include savings of £60m, are agreed on Wednesday.

More (http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/local-news/2008/03/01/workers-shocked-as-two-city-care-homes-face-closure-100252-20544438/)...

Mar 5 2008


crisis in culture

THE government has agreed a rescue plan to pay for Liverpool’s Capital of Culture celebrations - with tough strings attached.

Ministers will let the council borrow £20m via a process called capitalisation, provided it can show it is not financially incompetent.

The breakthrough was announced by local government minister John Healey after months of lobbying from city councillors and MPs.

It came a year after the council revealed it still had to find £20m to pay for the showpiece event - and just a week after it announced a “plan B” to come up with the cash.

Walton MP Peter Kilfoyle said: “The ball is now very firmly and squarely in the council’s court.

“The council must now show it can be trusted and that they are not using 2008 as a political football.”

Council bosses needed to know by today whether the government would agree to capitalisation on the basis that Capital of Culture is a one-off event.

But the ECHO understands ministers were wary, not least because of an Audit Commission report shaming the council as England’s worst-performing for financial management.

Last week, Mr Healey told MPs that the government, which has already provided £11.2m towards 2008, could not provide more direct Treasury cash - but would consider the capitalisation option.

In a letter forwarded to Liverpool council leader Warren Bradley today, the minister said that since auditors raised “serious concerns” about underlying financial management problems, his officials have been in constant touch with council officials.

The aim was to “help them find a way forward that would tackle the serious issues raised by the auditor”.

Mr Healey said it would require “tough choices”, but the council needs to put together a sound financial framework and restore sound financial management.

He said if that is done, it would give the Department for Communities and Local Government “a new context for considering a further capitalisation application for Liverpool”.

He added: “Of course, any new application would need to be considered on its merits.”

Mr Healey said: “I have asked officials here to offer whatever help we can to Liverpool council.

“But the next step on capitalisation will need to lie with the council itself, which needs to see whether it wants to make a new application and on what grounds.

“The success this year as European Capital of Culture is important to the government, as well as having great potential to boost Liverpool’s reputation, regeneration and social and cultural life.”

The poor council members we've had are probably the reason why we have never had proper things major big cities got until now like a proper International airport for example.

They should hire Martin Lewis, the money saving expert, to find out ways of saving the council money, because they've obviously got no one in the council that can do it.

Labour makes Liverpool its top local election target
Mar 15 2008 Liverpool Daily Post

WINNING back Liverpool City Council after a decade out of power will be Labour’s No.1 target in the looming local council elections, the party has revealed.

Gordon Brown’s handpicked elections co-ordinator has pinpointed the city – where the ruling Liberal Democrats have endured a number of setbacks – as Labour’s most likely success on May 1.

Hazel Blears, who is also the communities secretary, said three recent by-election victories had bolstered confidence that the electoral tide was finally turning in Liverpool.

Significantly, the city was the only place in Britain where Ms Blears was willing to predict such success, on what is generally expected to be a grim night for the Prime Minister.

The comments, made in an interview with the Daily Post, suggest Labour will pour staff and resources into Liverpool, to try to snatch the 10 council seats it needs to win overall control, with visits from leading ministers a distinct possibility.

Ms Blears said: “The last three by-elections that we won from the Liberal Democrats have been on swings of 22% to 25%.

“It has been quite dramatic in Liverpool.

“I’m not saying we are going to win Liverpool council, but it is now, officially, the worst financially-managed council in Britain

“It has not got a terribly good track record to put before the electorate at the next election, so the local elections will be interesting.”

But the Lib-Dems last night remained confident they would continue their stewardship of the city.

Cllr Mike Storey, Liverpool’s cabinet member for regeneration, said: “I said at the Lib-Dem conference that Labour were clearly targeting Liverpool and you know they were throwing everything at it.

“They’re pouring in resources and pouring in helpers. I thought we were quite up against it.

“But I think we will match them and we will come through.”

Ms Blears accepted Labour’s prospects were far less rosy across the country, adding: “After 11 years in government, you do not expect the ruling party nationally to do particularly well in local government elections.”

The Liberal Democrats won control of Liverpool in 1998 and enjoyed many years as a flagship council, culminating in the triumph of winning the Capital of Culture accolade.

But the dream has turned sour with the Standards Board investigations into successive city council leaders, first Cllr Storey who was forced to step down as leader and now his successor, Warren Bradley.

Also damaging was the Audit Commission’s recent criticism of the city council’s financial management. Liverpool was given a lowly one-star ratingy.

And Ms Blears revealed Liverpool had slipped behind some other areas in the race for permission to form a powerful coalition with neighbouring authorities.

The so-called “multi-area agreement” (MAA) would allow Liverpool to pool parts of its budget with those of Wirral, Sefton, Knowsley, St Helens and Halton, to form a “city-region”, with extra spending power.

Cllr Storey told the Daily Post he thought the Liberal Democrats would retain control of the Town Hall but with a reduced majority.

He said: “I think we will win.

“The alternative is to have a hung, balanced council, which I don’t think would be good for Liverpool.

After the budget just gone I dont think they will stand much of a chance.

phredd

Ms Blears has aid that Liverpool Council is Officially, the worst financially-managed council in Britain, well Wirral under Labour has also suffered financially...although it isn't publicized as much.

Wirral has also been a hung council in the past...with Labour saying that they are in charge of operations. I have to agree with Cllr Storey and say it is far from ideal in any council, let alone a city council.

ELECTION 08: Labour ready to seize back control of Liverpool
Mar 25 2008
by David Bartlett, Liverpool Daily Post

Politicians in Liverpool are preparing for the most tightly-run fight over the town hall for years, as David Bartlett reports

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/liverpoolpost/feb2008/1/1/2F1437A9-EFB0-9B11-FC9A9551CA87AAC2.jpg

BATTLE lines have been drawn in the first realistic challenge to the Liberal Democrat control of Liverpool City Council since 1998.

For the first time in a decade, there is a real prospect of the party losing overall control of the council.

More (http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-news/regional-news/2008/03/25/election-08-labour-ready-to-seize-back-control-of-liverpool-64375-20668529/)...

Mar 27 2008 by Ben Turner, Liverpool Echo
Coun Paul Clein

LIVERPOOL’S education leader today dramatically quit, accusing council leaders of putting “petty revenge” ahead of running the city.

Speaking exclusively to the ECHO, Cllr Paul Clein said he was “fed up” seeing leader Warren Bradley and the council on the front pages for all the wrong reasons, such as the Mathew Street Festival debacle.

But Cllr Clein, who has served as a councillor for 16 years, said the “straw that broke the camel’s back” was the deselection of Old Swan ward member Kevin Firth after he challenged the council leader over behaviour.

In a hard-hitting resignation letter emailed to colleagues, he writes: “It appears that Cllr Bradley and Cllr Mike Storey (executive member for regeneration) appear to believe the financial situation of the city is far less important than trying to exact petty revenge.”

He told the ECHO today he had been thinking of quitting since November.

He said: “The whole fall-out of the Mathew Street Festival put Warren and Mike in an uncompromising position.

“But the straw that broke the camel’s back was the deselection of Kevin. He questioned Warren over Mathew Street and I could see obvious resentment from Warren and a small handful of members associated with the leader.

“Labour will say we are in meltdown – that is not true. The majority of Liberal Democrats are here to uphold their principles.

“But there has to be free and open and debate and we cannot do that in a smoke-filled room. You must be able to challenge decisions.”

Cllr Clein said he was “proud” of his achievements as education leader since 1998. He was runner-up to Cllr Bradley in the 2005 leadership contest.

He was immediately replaced as education boss by Cllr Erica Kemp.

Council leader Warren Bradley said: “Paul took his decision on the fact that Kevin Firth was deselected.

“We are a democratic party and allow anyone to put their name forward for selection.

“I would like to thank Paul for all the work he has done, but in a democratic party that is the way it works. No-one has a divine right to a seat.

“I am saddened but I have got to move on as leader.

“I have no problem with people questioning me privately or publicly and I now want to move on.”

Today the city’s Labour leader Cllr Joe Anderson said the departure was “the beginning of the end for the Liberal Democrats in this city”.

He said: “The council is imploding in front of our eyes with their in-fighting, defections and sleaze.”

Culture of aggression

WATCHDOGS earlier last month said councillors were too scared to speak at meetings amid the “bun-fight” of the chamber.

In a scathing report on the behaviour of the city’s elected representatives, the Audit Commission highlighted “personally abusive language and aggressive behaviour” at meetings.

It also said some councillors did not take part in debates because they were frightened of being shouted at or ridiculed.

A corporate assessment report revealed serious political debate was being blocked by bad behaviour.

It followed on from an inspection in October, in which the commission told council officials their behaviour was not acceptable.

The eventual report said: “Behaviour of some members at council meetings is poor, with personally abusive language used and aggressive behaviour regularly demonstrated.

“As a result, some members said that they would not speak at council meetings.”

Why Clein has left

Cllr Clein said his decision to leave was because council leaders “believe the financial situation of the council is less important than exacting petty revenge”.

He cited the deselection of Old Swan ward member Cllr Kevin Firth after criticisms of council leader Cllr Warren Bradley as “the straw that broke the camel’s back”.

He said local authority achievements were being overshadowed by controversy such as the Mathew Street Festival fall-out.

He insisted that he leaves “a good administration which over the past five years has been made fit-for-purpose”.

benturner.liverpool.com


Yeah comrade Joe does make a good point tho

I hope this is another nail in the coffin of this inept bunch. They are embarrassing.

I have to admit, I do think it's time for new leadership in Liverpool. The Lib-Dems have done alot of good things, but they are incompetant ditherers who have no real leadership skills.:disgust:

The Lib Dems overall have done a really good job. Their choice in leadership is abysmal to say the least. I'm not voting for them in the next election if they want to choose those two idiots or one of their cronies

I have to admit, I do think it's time for new leadership in Liverpool. The Lib-Dems have done alot of good things, but they are incompetant ditherers who have no real leadership skills.:disgust:

They have no direction at all. They sink to Peel all the time. Peel get what they want.

The Lib Dems overall have done a really good job.

They are a washout.

The rejection of the one billion investment of the Brunswick Quay Tower is enough alone to boot them out
The Kings Dock Arena being on the wrong side of the dock
No firm idea of what to do with he dock waterways (a potential Amsterdam here, but they give in to commercial buildings being built).
No idea on Transport with underground rail infrastructure disused under our feet, and they are promoting needless trams
Constant infighting

No idea, no direction, no nothing, best change.

I was trying to find some data on how much investment the lib dems have brought to the city since they took power in 1998. But i cannot find any. I did however find an article on sub culture regarding one of the councils famous business trips to raise more money which you may find interesting http://liverpoolsubculture.blogspot.com/2007/04/luxury-yacht-cost-25000-during-265000.html

but yes i agree with your comment
No idea, no direction, no nothing, best change.

I don't want Labour back tho cause i think they'll make a bigger hash of it than the lib dems have.

No one party has any good ideas
No one party has any direction

Politics in this city is a mess (where isn't it?), there must be a few good councilors in both parties but if there are they seem to be have drowned out by gobby bulls*iters

This Lib-Dem council has been characterised by infighting, incompetence, and financial mismanagement from the outset. I don't care about their defections, deselections, and resignations, etc. The damage to this city and it's people has already been done. Millions have been squandered and now the most vulnerable in our communities are suffering as a result. Gladstone House children's home is to close, the Pagoda Chinese Community Centre is to close, the L8 Law Centre is under threat, Worst Kept Secret who help domestic violence victims are under threat, Boaler Street and Leighton Dene care homes looking after Alzheimer’s and dementia sufferers are to close, etc. etc. and hundreds of jobs are to be lost. :sad: :disgust:

When the LibDems got in ten years ago they set out their aim of making Liverpool a premier European city. I dont think that has been achieved, but the city has come a hell of a long way in that time. I do believe they should take credit for much of the investment that has come in and also the capital of culture, which despite being costly to the council tax budget, has been a catalyst for private investment. The old Labour councillors would have still sat about awaiting investment and never gone out and sought it. However successes have gone to the LibDems heads and there is a touch of arrogance about knocking back skyscrapers as they believe plenty of other schemes will come anyway, which as Waterways says will backfire. There are many new faces in Labour now and it'll be interesting to see how they make a go of things if elected in May.

Fourth Grace, Storey v Henshaw, Tram Scheme, Mathew Street Festival, Culture Company, The Big Dig, Housing Market Renewal Initiative, Edge Lane Development, Worst Council in the Country, etc. etc. etc. etc. - some record! :mad:

Could be very interesting after the May elections.

the council was the worst by far under Labour werent they, now they are just about the worst - thats improvement sort of :rolleyes:

Could be very interesting after the May elections.

Whoever is elected is going to have to balance the books so priorites are going to have to change.

the council was the worst by far under Labour werent they

Ah yes, I remember those Militant days:

6,300 families rehoused from tenements, flats and maisonettes
2,873 tenement flats demolished
1,315 walk-up flats demolished
2,086 flats/maisonettes demolished
4,800 houses and bungalows built
7,400 houses and flats improved
600 houses/bungalows created by ‘top-downing’ 1,315 walk-up flats
25 new Housing Action Areas being developed
6 new nursery classes built and open
17 Community Comprehensive Schools established following a massive re-organisation
£10million spent on school improvements
Five new sports centres, one with a leisure pool attached, built and open
Two thousand additional jobs provided for in Liverpool City Council Budget
Ten thousand people per year employed on Council’s Capital Programme
Three new parks built
Rents frozen for five years
etc. :rolleyes:

Whoever is elected is going to have to balance the books so priorites are going to have to change.

I await the political leaflets come April!!

:Smiliz_Kingz_PDT_13

When I launched the web site in the sig, I emailed every councillor. Many responded. Few LibDems did. To My surprise those with get and go were the Labour councillors. Very active and go ahead. Many were in full support of what the web site was about and copied to me emails of various moves. I was quite impressed with them. Many LibDem councillors in edge of city wards were totally disinterested in anything outside their own wards.

Ah yes, I remember those Militant days:

6,300 families rehoused from tenements, flats and maisonettes
2,873 tenement flats demolished
1,315 walk-up flats demolished
...
...


People forget all that too easily. And they had an mammoth task on their hands with a hostile government blocking them at each move - and then the London and Manchester based media character assassinating the city.

'Liverpool on the brink' by Michael Parkinson is a good read and gives many interesting facts and figures of the Militant era of the 1980's.

'Liverpool on the brink' by Michael Parkinson is a good read and gives many interesting facts and figures of the Militant era of the 1980's.

Now Professor Michael Parkinson, Director of the European Institute for Urban Affairs at Liverpool John Moores University. :)

'Liverpool on the brink' by Michael Parkinson is a good read and gives many interesting facts and figures of the Militant era of the 1980's.

What did he conclude?

I await the political leaflets come April!!

:Smiliz_Kingz_PDT_13

I've already started getting them. nothing more than recycle bin fodder

What did he conclude?

Long time since I read it (mid/late-80s I think). It was an academic text about Liverpool Labour council's struggle against the central Tory government funding cuts. Can't really remember what he concluded but he was quite supportive of the council's stand.

What did he conclude?

One of his conclusions is that Labour were right to have a go at the Thatcher government. Many of the problems were not caused by the Labour council but were born in the 1970's; Liverpool had not been at the time a high spending council but was being punished in the 1980's as if it had been.

Liverpool had not been at the time a high spending council

In the 70s or 80s?

In the 70s or 80s?

Both really. The previous councils, Liberals and Conservative, didn't spend all the money given to it by central government.

Care home turnaround and pledges on wastage in Liverpool's Labour manifesto
Mar 28 2008
by Liza Williams, Liverpool Daily Post

LABOUR leaders pledged to keep two Liverpool care homes open and regenerate derelict housing last night, as the party launched its manifesto.

Leader Joe Anderson was joined by Hazel Blears, Secretary for Communities and Local Government, and MP for Liverpool Garston Maria Eagle to reveal pledges to entice voters ahead of the city council elections in May.

As part of the plans, the party is promising to keep Leighton Dene residential home in Fazakerley, and the Boaler Street rehabilitation unit in Kensington open.

Both are currently set for closure under council budget cuts, but the Labour group claims the closures would not be necessary if less financial wastage occurred.

Cllr Anderson said: “We need to cut waste and inefficiency in the council and this step would pay for the services.

“It is about value for money and we would work with Liverpool PCT to make sure they stay open and in turn prevent bed-blocking.”

More (http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-news/regional-news/2008/03/28/care-home-turnaround-and-pledges-on-wastage-in-liverpool-s-labour-manifesto-64375-20685013/)...

Labour: Our eight-point plan for a better city
Mar 28 2008
by Vicki Kellaway, Liverpool Echo

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/icliverpool/oct2005/2/7/000A9268-C12F-1354-B51F0C01AC1BF814.jpg

THOUSANDS of new houses could be built across Liverpool to help people struggling to find or afford homes in the city.

That was the promise of Labour leaders as they formally launched their campaign to win control of Liverpool council in the May elections after 10 years in opposition.

Party leaders also pledged to tackle unemployment by encouraging local businesses to take on more people from inside the city.

More (http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/local-news/2008/03/28/labour-our-eight-point-plan-for-a-better-city-100252-20686200/)...

Liverpool Confidential have got Clein's resignation email:

Link (http://www.liverpoolconfidential.co.uk/index.asp?Sessionx=IpqiNwEiNwTrKaqiNwF6IHqi&realname=Why_Im_off_Paul_Cleins_email_to_the_Lib_D em_group)

[QUOTE=Howie;121749]Labour: Our eight-point plan for a better city
Mar 28 2008
by Vicki Kellaway, Liverpool Echo

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/icliverpool/oct2005/2/7/000A9268-C12F-1354-B51F0C01AC1BF814.jpg

QUOTE]

how long has Fred from Corrie been on the Council? I say how long has Fred....

:unibrow:

Labour: Our eight-point plan for a better city
Mar 28 2008
by Vicki Kellaway, Liverpool Echo

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/icliverpool/oct2005/2/7/000A9268-C12F-1354-B51F0C01AC1BF814.jpg

THOUSANDS of new houses could be built across Liverpool to help people struggling to find or afford homes in the city.
That was the promise of Labour leaders as they formally launched their campaign to win control of Liverpool council in the May elections after 10 years in opposition.

Party leaders also pledged to tackle unemployment by encouraging local businesses to take on more people from inside the city.

More (http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/local-news/2008/03/28/labour-our-eight-point-plan-for-a-better-city-100252-20686200/)...

Sorry, Isn't there some 30,000 + units of empty accommodation in this city.?

Sorry, Isn't there some 30,000 + units of empty accommodation in this city.?

Yes, the city is full of empty luxury apartments that no ordinary working Liverpudlian can afford to rent or buy!!! :disgust:

Yes, the city is full of empty luxury apartments that no ordinary working Liverpudlian can afford to rent or buy!!! :disgust:

1st time buyers in the south have to pay as much for a flat as we up here would pay for a decent terraced, somewhere in there, there is a solution. Empty luxury flats are neither use nor ornament. iIn addition, what sort of 'parents' would want to bring up their kids in some city center, designer apartment. :disgust:

1st time buyers in the south have to pay as much for a flat as we up here would pay for a decent terraced, somewhere in there, there is a solution. Empty luxury flats are neither use nor ornament. iIn addition, what sort of 'parents' would want to bring up their kids in some city center, designer apartment. :disgust:

Do you want the flats to be demolished? They are there and eventually will be filled. An the city needs them. Those flats are not meant for families.

Yes, the city is full of empty luxury apartments that no ordinary working Liverpudlian can afford to rent or buy!!! :disgust:

Enough have bought them and are living in them.

Sorry, Isn't there some 30,000 + units of empty accommodation in this city.?

Waiting for the wealthy middle class to come in. The city needs them.

Waiting for the wealthy middle class to come in. The city needs them.

I don't totally disagree with you, but people in that category might prefer the likes of Crosby and Childwall.
Yuppies and young Dinks would perhaps take them up. Remember the Flat that recently sold at £150,000 from an original 'investment' of £250,000 ? (or there abouts) Darn sarf first time buyers are struggling to buy accommodation at around the £200K mark!
Has anyone seen the nearly complete building off Gradwell st and Duke street? Once all the surrounding work has been completed consisting a new car park, a new hotel (a 13 story job )the view will be nothing more than 9" brick from not much more than a few feet of any window including the arse side of the 'Gostins' building. :disgust:
I'm not saying the empties should go to trash I'm just questioning the logic of building even more new properties while so many are empty.

I don't totally disagree with you, but people in that category might prefer the likes of Crosby and Childwall.


Why should they want semi-detachedville? Unattached or couples like to be where it is all at - the centre. The centre is now being populated. The sooner it is populated with wealthy people the better.


Remember the Flat that recently sold at £150,000 from an original 'investment' of £250,000 ? (or there abouts) Darn sarf first time buyers are struggling to buy accommodation at around the £200K mark!


The UK is short of homes. The odd anomaly where some dope bought way too high because of buy to let and lost is not representative of the market as whole.


Has anyone seen the nearly complete building off Gradwell st and Duke street? Once all the surrounding work has been completed consisting a new car park, a new hotel (a 13 story job )the view will be nothing more than 9" brick from not much more than a few feet of any window including the arse side of the 'Gostins' building. :disgust:


The price will reflect the accommodation - simple.


I'm not saying the empties should go to trash I'm just questioning the logic of building even more new properties while so many are empty.

The city is expanding and the idea is to get the right type of high quality property in the centre, and other areas. Once it is there it is there. Bring em on - build more.

What do yo want? To build slums again?

What do yo want? To build slums again?

The slums will come automaticaly.
Look at other countries :-
South Africa, Cape Town, big nice city but slums in the outer ring. eg:-(Soweto)
Rio, South America, Big City but slums in the outer ring.
All cities get there slums and Low Rent/ca'nt afford to buy locations while otheres live in the luxury they can afford at the expence of the City.

Phredd

For anyone interested Louise Baldock has posted a more complete version of the Liverpool Labour manifesto on her blog:

http://louisebaldock.blogspot.com/2008/03/labours-vision-for-liverpool-2008.html

The slums will come automaticaly.
Look at other countries :-
South Africa, Cape Town, big nice city but slums in the outer ring. eg:-(Soweto)
Rio, South America, Big City but slums in the outer ring.
All cities get there slums and Low Rent/ca'nt afford to buy locations while otheres live in the luxury they can afford at the expence of the City.

Phredd

Phredd, they are all third world countries. Like comparing apples with oranges.

Liverpool Confidential have got Clein's resignation email:

Link (http://www.liverpoolconfidential.co.uk/index.asp?Sessionx=IpqiNwEiNwTrKaqiNwF6IHqi&realname=Why_Im_off_Paul_Cleins_email_to_the_Lib_D em_group)

Expect a challenge
Mar 31 2008
by Haydon Wood, Liverpool Daily Post

‘IS IT a Michael Heseltine moment?” A respected friend of mine texted me the question on hearing the news that Paul Clein had resigned as Executive Member for Children’s Services on Liverpool City Council.

If we are to follow the scenario of Heseltine and his battle with Margaret Thatcher, we should expect a challenge to the leadership of Warren Bradley from Cllr Clein, with another Liberal Democrat councillor ultimately claiming the prize.

More (http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/views/liverpool-columnists/columns/2008/03/31/expect-a-challenge-64375-20695165/)...

Warren Bradley: Everywhere I go in the city people are proud of Liverpool.
Apr 10 2008
by Nick Coligan, Liverpool Echo

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/icliverpool/dec2006/2/9/9B95E063-9D08-7497-8DE60AD48ABA7E99.jpg

THE Liberal Democrats today unveiled their manifesto to take Liverpool forward at the end of Capital of Culture.

The party, which has run Liverpool council for 10 years, said it was time to start a new phase of transformation for the once-beleaguered city.

Its proposals include supporting proposals to harness the power of the River Mersey to generate 50% of Liverpool’s energy from renewable sources.

The Lib Dems have also thrown their weight behind the revolutionary Maglev transport system which would reduce journey times between Liverpool and Manchester to 10 minutes.

The party and its leader Warren Bradley go into May’s council elections facing their stiffest challenge from Labour yet.

Their majority at the town hall has shrunk to only six.

Yet Cllr Bradley today said he believed the manifesto would create fresh optimism among voters that his group was the best option to lead Liverpool.

He said: “It’s about dealing with the issues that affect people on a day to day basis.

“Our environmental enforcement officers will deal with low-level crime and anti-social behaviour, and allow communities to feel there is ownership by bringing wardens and police community support officers together.”

Talking about plans to generate energy from the Mersey, Mr Bradley added: “We’ve always pushed from a local point. Our priority in the next few years is to get that sign-up from government.

“The project will provide 50% of the electricity in the city.”

Other Lib Dem manifesto aims include:

Making 2008 a success so Liverpool becomes the “short holiday break and business conference centre of choice”.

Improving exam results so Liverpool’s schools are the best of any big city in the country.

Working with the government, colleges, universities and the Learning and Skills Council to reduce unemployment in the city’s poorest areas.

Continuing to renovate terraced housing in regeneration zones.

Pressing for the reopening of mothballed railway stations.

Opening two more council one-stop shops.

Lib Dem party chairman Simon Hughes travelled to Liverpool for the party’s manifesto launch in Castle Street.

He said: “Everywhere I go within the city people are proud of Liverpool.

“There’s been a huge difference since we started 10 years ago. I always make sure I get out and talk to people.

“The most important thing within the next year will be the creation of new jobs.”

Political Reporter Nick Coligan says . . .

"THIS might just be the most important document Warren Bradley has ever written.

"Facing potentially the most difficult election of their time in power, a lot is riding on the Liberal Democrats 2008 manifesto.

"After 10 years of big plans and ideas, it was never going to be easy deciding what direction to take.

"The Lib Dems face the same problem as Labour did two weeks ago when they unveiled their manifesto.

"There is not a lot of money going spare at the town hall this year. Whereas Labour went for unspectacular but achievable aims, the Lib Dems have plumped for a mix of supporting big ideas like the Maglev link and continuing with tried and trusted policies.

"They must now hope to win the confidence of an electorate who are maybe questioning for the first time in a decade whether they are the right party to lead the city."

nick.coligan@liverpool.com

Source: Liverpool Echo (http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/local-news/2008/04/10/warren-bradley-everywhere-i-go-in-the-city-people-are-proud-of-liverpool-100252-20745455/)

Worried Lib-Dems bring in national leader amid defeat fears
Apr 11 2008
by David Bartlett, Liverpool Daily Post

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/liverpoolpost/apr2008/2/1/3C03218B-919A-36C0-3D3C6783B0A8ED06.jpg

LIBERAL Democrat officials have drafted in extra support to try to ensure the party retains control of Liverpool town hall in May’s local elections.

More (http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-news/regional-news/2008/04/11/worried-lib-dems-bring-in-national-leader-amid-defeat-fears-64375-20749942/)...

We’re here for as long as it takes, say crisis experts working to balance council’s budget
Apr 17 2008
by Ben Schofield, Liverpool Daily Post

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/liverpoolpost/feb2008/1/1/2F1437A9-EFB0-9B11-FC9A9551CA87AAC2.jpg

CRISIS managers drafted in to help balance Liverpool City Council’s budget will be there for “as long as it takes”, a government minister said yesterday.

John Healey, the minister for local government, also said he expected “significant progress” on the Town Hall’s finances within a year.

Teams of experts were sent in to Liverpool following devastating criticism of the council’s money management by the Audit Commission and district auditor.

Liverpool City Council was named and shamed as the worst authority in the country in February.

More (http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-news/regional-news/2008/04/17/we-re-here-for-as-long-as-it-takes-say-crisis-experts-working-to-balance-council-s-budget-64375-20776353/)...

Election preview: Race for Liverpool has never been tighter
Apr 21 2008

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/icliverpool/oct2004/5/3/000F0F49-7459-1177-BE7680BFB6FA0000.jpg

THE Liberal Democrat grip on Liverpool may slip next week for the first time in a decade. The party has been the dominant force in the city since 1998, but has seen a huge majority slowly eroded from the heady days when it had 70 of the city’s 90 seats.

Lib-Dems go to the polls with 47 seats, eight less than 2007, and the city’s electoral cycle appears to be swinging against the party.

Despite this, its demise is far from certain.

More (http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-news/regional-news/2008/04/21/election-preview-race-for-liverpool-has-never-been-tighter-64375-20793763/)...

Local elections 08: All to play for & it’s your call
Apr 21 2008
by Nick Coligan, Liverpool Echo

http://images.icnetwork.co.uk/upl/liverpoolecho/feb2008/5/0/F382AD00-B4AF-1A75-B2B9BEC9CEC61E32.jpg

TEN years of Liberal Democrat rule faces its stiffest challenge yet at this year’s Liverpool council elections.

The party’s majority is down to only six.

And mathematically, 2008 represents Labour’s best chance yet of reclaiming power.

Look back at events of the past 12 months and it’s easy to see why.

More (http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/local-news/2008/04/21/local-elections-08-all-to-play-for-it-s-your-call-100252-20792748/)...

Liverpool City Council gets help for cash mess
Apr 23 2008
by Nick Coligan, Liverpool Echo

TROUBLESHOOTERS are being recruited to help Liverpool council tackle its financial problems.

The panel of experts is being brought in to suggest solutions to cash problems which have dogged the city for more than a year.

Last month, councillors had to find £62m of savings, including £20m to help pay for Capital of Culture, in their toughest budget for years.

It followed the humiliation of being rated the worst-performing council in the country over how it handles taxpayers’ money.

Now chief executive Colin Hilton has brought in specialists to help balance the books.

The panel includes members of the government’s Improvement and Development Agency (IDeA), which works with struggling councils to help them serve residents better.

More (http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/local-news/2008/04/23/liverpool-city-council-gets-help-for-cash-mess-100252-20805557/)...

How much do the troubleshooters cost?

Why not just elect them in the first place?

This is definitely an eye opener for the people of Liverpool to get out and vote when it comes about... (unless these Cousilmen are appointed, NOT elected by citizens?) .

Better read between the lines better at election time.. The people of the City are the ones that will suffer... NOT the officials.. ..

Yes, Ged, good question..."Why not Just elect them or appoint them, in the first place?

Any insight on this?:hug:

You can tell there is an election coming up - Flyers have been put through my letterbox...Never bloody see them any other time of the year... :disgust:

I think we've seen and heard more than enough of this Lib-Dem council. :angry:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HhxC9gcXS2E

Save our culture, vote BNP? WTF! The whole culture of Britain is born out of other cultures. More then anything Liverpool was built on Immigration, on new ideas, on different cultures.

Yeah save our culture, but don't get rid of the Chinese chippys cause they’re good them, don't let those polish open up polish places, too many pe