An independent review of Liverpool Council requested by its own auditors will explore the extent of dodgy dealings at the authority - but the accountancy firm has also come in for criticism.
The auditors, Grant Thornton, says it cannot sign off on the local authority’s books for 2019/20 until an external investigation had taken place into practices at the council. Grant Thornton partner Mark Stocks told members of Liverpool Council’s audit committee that the investigation would consider whether issues identified that led to arrests in 2020 impacted “a particular area in the council or whether the issues are more pervasive.”
Mr Stocks clashed with opposition leader, Lib Dem Cllr Richard Kemp, who said the council found itself in this situation “owing to the failure of Grant Thornton to enquire on a range of issues raised in committee, in the press and in general over the last five years.”
