Vital 08 Place relying on volunteers

Jun 12 2008 by David Bartlett, Liverpool Daily Post

VOLUNTEERS are being used to help run Liverpool’s premier tourist information centre during the city’s 2008 showcase year due to a lack of money to fill vacancies, it was claimed last night.

It comes as the Daily Post can reveal that the 08 Place, in Whitechapel, is currently understaffed by a third – six months in to the European Capital of Culture year.

Last night, opposition councillors said it was a sign of the “financial crisis at the town hall”.

A Liverpool council spokesman insisted that volunteers were in addition to staff and not carrying out employee tasks.

There are currently 9.75 full-time equivalent employees working in the centre, while there are 4.5 full-time vacancies.

A report compiled for Liverpool council’s regeneration select committee states that the staffing levels are regarded as the “bare minimum” – so two full-time equivalent posts will be filled temporarily for 22 weeks.

Last night, the council said volunteers were being used during weekends and the summer to help answer customer questions and “queue bust” at the 08 Place.

The tourist information service, which operates from the 08 Place, Liverpool John Lennon Airport, and the Albert Dock costs the council £1.1m a year.

A review of the service, in April, 2007, “yielded little or no opportunity to make major savings”.

The report also reveals that the council would like to provide a tourist information service at Lime Street Station but cannot because of the low staffing levels.

The tourist information service has undergone a ser- ies of changes since August, 2005, due to “financial and operational” pressures.

The report goes on: “Following the end of the main tourist season in 2008, there is a clear need for a service review to identify the operational needs and likely costs moving forward.” The report suggests changing the name from the 08 Place to Liverpool Tourist Information Centre from January.

“There has been concern around the costs of the service, which are acknowledged, but members should be reassured that all attempts are made to reduce the ongoing deficit.”

Cllr Paul Brant, deputy Labour leader, said: “The council looks like it's putting on an amateur dramatics performance, not a sophisticated showcase marketing our city.

“It’s a sign of the financial crisis at the town hall that over a quarter of the staff places at the 08 Place are vacant and opening hours have been reduced.

“We did warn the Lib-Dems that this venue was too costly, but they steamrollered the scheme through using Government cash meant for deprived communities.”

A council spokesman said: “We have large numbers of volunteers who want to be involved in Capital of Culture.

“They do not replace staff, they are in addition to staff.”

He said it was the council’s intention to fill vacancies.

davidbartlett