City councillors 'behaving badly'

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The poor behaviour of some Liverpool councillors could hamper the future development of the city, a report says.

The Audit Commission found that abusive language and aggressive behaviour was common at meetings, leaving some too scared to speak for fear of ridicule.

Inspectors did praise the authority for having a clear understanding of the issues the city faced.

But they said its vision for the city was hampered by "too many priorities" which did not give it a clear focus.

The findings are in a corporate performance assessment of the way Liverpool City Council is run.

Inspectors found the authority was performing adequately but warned that further improvement was at risk.

The council said it was taking "positive steps" to address the issues raised by the report.

Information is sometimes 'leaked' to the press and other sources for short term political advantage Audit Commission report

The council's financial position, which has been affected by a deficit in the budget for its Capital of Culture programme, is also inadequate, the report said.

But the main criticism was levelled at the behaviour of some councillors, with the report stating: "Member behaviour is sometimes poor and affecting capacity.

"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 and aggressive behaviour regularly demonstrated."

But despite the criticism, inspectors praised the city for delivering refurbished homes, reductions in crime and disorder, and improved life expectancy in the city.

'Positive steps'

Tim Watkinson, Audit Commission senior manager, said: "Liverpool City Council has a good record of achievement, including an extensive range of city wide and community regeneration.

"Whilst the quality of life for the people of Liverpool is visibly improving, continued improvement is at risk due to the behaviour of councillors, financial capacity, too many priorities and the need to establish a clear long term ambition."

Last month, the commission branded the council the worst in the country in a separate report.

Responding to the latest report, a Liverpool City Council spokesman said councillors "fully accepted" the recommendations and were taking positive steps to address them, including a financial action plan.

"There is also a commitment from members of the council to address the relationship and governance issues raised in the report," he said.

"They are determined to build a more positive and successful system of administration in Liverpool based on trust, mutual respect and reasonable debate."