Wirral Council earns improved rating for managing finances

Feb 11 2009 by Matt Hurst, Birkenhead News

THE Audit Commission has granted Wirral Council an improved rating for managing its finances.

The independent watchdog marked the borough up from two stars to three, after completing an assessment of its use of resources between April 2007 and March 2008.

Wirral Council leader, Cllr Steve Foulkes said: “In a time of economic recession, when everyone is feeling the pinch, it is vitally important the council delivers value for money.”

Liberal Democrat leader and cabinet member for corporate resources, Cllr Simon Holbrook welcomed the award.

Cllr Holbrook said: “This is the first time in the history of Wirral Council that this level of performance has been achieved.

“It confirms that this administration is well on the way to turning this council around and putting it on a sound financial footing.

“The three-star rating is an endorsement of all the hard work undertaken by the administration last year, and the very tough decisions we have had to make.”

But Conservative leader, Cllr Jeff Green slammed the Lib/Lab pact.

Cllr Green said: “I’m getting a bit fed up with Labour and the Lib Dems chasing stars and back-slapping from the government.

“I’m more interested in Wirral residents and the services they receive.”

The council was recognised for improving across a range of categories, from general financial management to managing performance against budgets, as well as only spending within the available resources.

But the council dropped from three stars to two stars when it came to having arrangements in place “that are designed to promote and ensure probity and propriety in the conduct of business”.