 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. The findings are included in a Corporate Assessment into how Liverpool City Council is run. It was given a score of two – adequate performance but only at minimum requirements. Although the “quality of life for the people of Liverpool is visibly improving”, weak finances and a lack of long-term vision for the city are also blamed for risking the city’s future. Today’s results fed into a separate report, released earlier this month, which labelled the council the worst in the country with a one-star rating. The latest report is the result of a root and branch inspection in October, after which the Commission told council officials that the standard of councillors’ behaviour was worse than a “fledgling Eastern European democracy”, as previously reported by the Daily Post. Although those words are not included in the 37-page report, councillors come in for severe criticism for their behaviour. The report states: “Member behaviour at times is poor and affecting capacity. There has been inappropriate behaviour dealing with some officer issues. “Information is sometimes ‘leaked’ to the press and other sources for short-term political advantage. “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 a council meeting for fear of being shouted at or ridiculed. “Trust between officers and members is not effective. Members recognise that the culture of the organisation is not appropriate and stated that the culture needed to change. “Behaviour of some members is damaging the reputation of the council which is recognised by all members.” Some of Liverpool’s strengths, such as its neighbourhood approach and a strong record of partnership working which has delivered refurbished homes, reductions in crime and disorder, and improved life expectancy are highlighted in the report. The council is praised for taking positive action to improve the health of children which is beginning to show in increasing participation in exercise and reducing the numbers of teenage pregnancy. Success in attracting billions of pounds for the city’s regeneration is also praised. The £20m shortfall in Capital of Culture finances is once again raised as a concern, as is a “lack of long-term financial planning”. The report recommends developing clear strategies, a medium and long term financial plan, and officials and councillors working closer together to instil a new “culture” at the authority. A council spokesman said: “We fully accept and take on board the report’s recommendations, and we’re already taking real and positive steps to address them. “On finance, we are implementing an action plan to improve our current position and we are developing a robust medium-term financial plan focused on our priorities. There is also a commit-ment from members to address the relationship and governance issues raised in the report. “They are determined to build a more positive and successful system of administration in Liverpool based on trust, mutual respect and reasonable debate. “The development of a long term vision for the city is well under way.” | 
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