KNOWSLEY council has been urged to improve services for the homeless.
Audit Committee inspectors judged the council's Homeless and Housing Advice Service fair, but called for urgent measures to tackle the needs of black and minority ethic groups.
The report added that the service had excellent prospects for improvement.
An Audit Commission spokesman said: "There are gaps in services for young people and those with support needs.
"The current knowledge on vulnerable, difficult-to-reach groups and black and minority ethnic communities is at a level which prevents the council from undertaking a detailed analysis of need."
A team of auditors examined housing demand and supply in the borough, temporary accommodation and support services, homelessness and rehousing and resettlement.
The spokesman added: "A formal consultation and involvement framework for the homeless service must be developed, so homeless people have the opportunity to influence the future design and delivery of service."
Suki Jandu, Knowsley council housing inspector, said: "The council faces a number of challenges.
"The extent and suitability of temporary accommodation needs to be addressed as well as the user's involvement in shaping the future of the service.
"We are determined to improve." The report praised the service's One Stop Shops, area housing offices and website, and commended its customer care, and Citizen's Advice Bureaux.
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