Liverpool launches consultation on future of council governance
Residents are being asked to decide whether or not they want to see the city council’s mayoral model scrapped.
In April, every household in Liverpool will be asked to weigh in on how they would like the city council to be run in the future.
Residents can choose from three potential governance options:
- Mayoral model – this system has been in place in Liverpool since 2012. Under this model, residents vote for who they wish to be mayor. The mayor carries greater executive powers than under other systems
- Leader and cabinet model – Under this model, the party with the most elected councillors chooses the council leader. This is the most common form of governance across UK councils
- Committee System – Under this model, a council elects a leader but power is exercised by several committees that comprise councillors from all represented parties.
Residents are being asked to fill out an online form indicating their preference. The form will then be sent to the city council for consideration.
Once the three-month consultation ends, the outcome will be reported to the city council. Councillors will then make the final decision on whether to change the way the authority is governed.
If the city council agrees to make a change in governance, it will take effect from the elections in May 2023.
Liverpool City Council currently operates under the mayoral model, with Joanne Anderson holding the position of mayor. She was elected last year after former Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson stepped down following his arrest as part of an investigation into corruption at the city council.
He has not been charged and denies any wrongdoing.
Joanne Anderson has previously campaigned for the city to hold a referendum on the council’s governance structure.
However, last year Liverpool ruled out holding a formal referendum on the matter as it would be too costly.
The consultation will cost around £120,000 whereas the referendum would have cost £450,000.
“The council wants to give as many people as possible the chance to have their say over the future governance of Liverpool City Council,” said city solicitor Dan Fenwick.
“I encourage everyone to take part. We will be sending out a letter to all households that will be dropping on their doormat in April. We are also happy for people to email or write in with their views on a change.
“A consultation is the only way that local people can express a preference for all three available governance models, and we have made the process as clear and simple as we can.”
The consultation will run until Monday 20 June.
People can also email governanceconsultation@liverpool.gov.uk or write to: Electoral Services, Liverpool City Council, Cunard Building, Water Street, Liverpool, L3 1AH.
Liverpool`s council elections have one of the lowest turnouts in England so good luck with this exercise as it won`t be representative whatever the outcome. The current mayoral model should work ok if it wasn`t for the local political behaviour that has almost certainly ruled out a continuance of this system, and my guess is the leader and cabinet model will prevail. Whatever happens Liverpool needs to move forward with greater vision and be more welcoming of business and investment ideas, as long as they are trustwothy.
By Anonymous
Liverpool council need a complete overhaul they have no vision and lack of anything positive
Liverpool should be a development magnet it’s a beautiful city with great people ..vote them.out
By Anonymous
A leader who is an elected councillor chosen by the other elected councillors
By Shirley kevan
Committee System
By Patricia Cowell
A mayor elected by voters every 4 years
By Mrs E Peate