Government criticism for Wirral Council over 9 million pound budget hole

Available for over a year

Earlier this month, Wirral Council was criticised in a government report for avoiding "difficult financial decisions" as it looked to plug a 9 million pound budget hole. The independent report said the authority had dipped into its reserves due to a "prevailing culture" of avoiding tough decisions. It was criticised for its reluctance to make cuts to any of its 16 libraries, make staff redundant or increase car park charges. The trouble is .. libraries, swimming pools and cheap car parks are all pretty popular with voters. You could argue that councils can’t win. The report makes uncomfortable reading for councillors though, as BBC Radio Merseyside's Paul Salt, suggested to Labour leader of Wirral, Janette Williamson.