A MERSEYSIDE MP called on the Government to step in and bring “decisive change” to the senior management of Wirral Council.

Frank Field said “crass inefficiency” of chief council officers had led to the authority losing out on £60m of grants.

The Birkenhead MP called the private members debate in Parliament ahead of a vote of no confidence next week in Wirral’s minority Labour-led council.

But Mr Field said although the role of officers “does not have the razzmatazz” of their political leaders their role was fundamental.

He accused senior officers of “willfully” excluding elected councillors from decisions and then outlined three cases – including a £5m potential grant for Rock Ferry, £11m-plus spent on the Cheshire Lines building and £40m he said was missed out for a newly built academy in Birkenhead – where he said due to “crass inefficiencies of chief officers nothing happened”.

Mr Field also highlighted the case of former Wirral social services whistleblower Martin Morton which resulted in a damning report about the council.

The MP said: “Not to excuse politicians, but this was about the decision and quality of a group of senior officers.”

He told the minister for local government Bob Neill: “We are seeking support to bring about decisive change.”

Also taking part in the debate, Wirral West MP Esther McVey said political leaders should not “sidestep their responsibilities and hand the blame to officers” saying this was “political cowardice”.

Mr Neill agreed to meet the MPs, but praised some of the steps Wirral has taken towards putting in place an improvement plan with the help of the Local Government Association (LGA).

He added: “The key point is if you stand for elected office you have to recognise that the buck stops with you.”
After the debate Wirral Council’s chief executive Jim Wilkie said all these matters “have been raised in the past” and it would not be appropriate to comment on them further.

He added: “However, I am pleased the minister recognised the significant work currently going on in partnership with the LGA to make necessary improvements we need to move forward.”