Liverpool City Council will be forced to disclose all information about development projects and planning to the government, following a series of arrests that included the city’s mayor.
Catherine Frances, local government director general, has written to council leader Tony Reeves demanding any information regarding property disposals and development and governance of its planning processes.
It follows the arrest of five people, including mayor Joe Anderson, by Merseyside Police last week. Anderson is alleged to have bribed and intimidated witnesses.
Four other men were also arrested – these are reported to include former deputy mayor Derek Hatton, Andy Barr, the council’s assistant director of highways and planning, and the mayor’s son David Anderson.
Reeves subsequently met with the secretary of state for housing, communities and local government, Robert Jenrick, at his request on 7 December. According to the letter, the pair discussed plans to improve governance at the council.
Liverpool City Council must provide any information regarding the development or disposal of property. This must identify the property, an indication of its value, current position and future timetable of disposal, transfer or commitment from the council.
It must also provide insight into any steps the council has taken or proposes to take to ensure effective governance – with particular attention to planning, highways, regeneration and property management.
The council must disclose this information by 3pm on 11 December and will be required to provide regular updates to the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government.
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