The council is praised for its promotion of economic develop-ment through schemes like the Arena and Convention Centre, the Cruise Liner facility and retail improvements like Liver-pool One. Although it is given a score of “two” in culture, only libraries and leisure centres are included, not things like muse-ums and theatres which are not controlled by the authority. The council scored three stars or above in a majority of categor-ies, but it was given a rating of one because of its “one” in use of resources – how it spends money. A one is automatic if a council gets a poor result in use of re-sources, children and young people, or adult social care. Use of resources is considered of high importance because if the financ-es fail it could lead to a future deterioration in services. The council is set to appoint an external panel to monitor and advise on an improvement pro-gramme – the Liverpool Strategic Improvement Partnership. It will oversee an action plan put in place after the council was criticised by the district auditor. Liverpool council chief execu-tive Colin Hilton said: “It is dis-appointing the rules of the Audit Commission’s star system, in particular around the use of resources, should effectively label Liverpool as one of the worst performers in the country, when that is clearly not the case. “We are already taking measur-es to improve our performance in the use of resources, including introducing a new system for more effective management of the council’s assets.” Cllr Bradley said: “I am very disappointed in the score Liverpool Council has received from the CPA. “The European capital of culture year is putting pressure on our finances but we’re determined to make this special year a success. “It is disappointing the star system rules should effectively label Liverpool as one of the worst performers in the country when that is not the case.” The council now has until March 5, when it sets its budget for the next financial year, to say how it will pay for Capital of Culture. Labour leader Cllr Joe Anderson said: “I am glad the council is heeding my advice to get external experts, because we have to start planning for the medium and long-term future of this city. “I recall former council leader Mike Storey saying they would put this city at the top of the Premier League, the facts now reveal we are in the relegation zone.” Government is still consider-ing a request to allow the council to borrow or sell buildings and land directly through a process known as capitalisation to plug the £20m hole. Last month a back-up plan was revealed for the home of Liverpool’s Culture Company to be put into a charitable trust and sold to fund the shortfall, as a way around government rules. Council inspection results >>> | 
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