A key report into Wirral Council’s attempt to escape its budget black hole has praised the authority, but it carried grave warnings for the future.
Last November, Wirral Council was slated in two independent reports into the local authority which included strong criticism of elected councillors and officers, stating the 'prevailing culture' at the council prior to the pandemic had been to avoid difficult financial decisions, meaning the council's emergency reserves have been dramatically reduced in recent years.
Following the reports, the council approved a £20m cuts package in February, which included the authority withdrawing funding from Woodchurch Leisure Centre, nine libraries and two public golf courses. Even though there are ways local groups can secure the future of these services, the cuts have put their futures in doubt.
