Will Liverpool to have full time leader?

AN independent panel is recommending that the position of Leader of Liverpool City Council is officially made full time.  Previously the post has been classed as a part time role, with the allowance based on a 2.5 day week.

A review - carried out by the Independent Panel on Members’ Allowances - proposes it becomes a five day a week position and the current special responsibility allowance is raised from £21,049 to £42,100 to reflect the increased responsibilities and the amount of work involved.

The Panel reached the decision after considering:-

· The allowances for Leaders in other similar cities including Manchester, Birmingham Leeds and Nottingham

· New governance arrangements under the Local Government Public Involvement in Health Act 2007, adopted in Liverpool in December 2009 and effective from May 2010, which mean the Leader is elected for a fixed term of four years

· The other responsibilities of the Leader, including chairing the City Region Cabinet and taking the lead on housing and business enterprise at the city council

The amount spent on allowances overall will be about the same in 2010/11 as in 2009/10.

A report to be considered by the next meeting of the city council, the Panel states that the change is “essential to recognise the weight of responsibility and the very long hours that the position by definition demands”.

Council leader Joe Anderson said:- “It is a great privilege to lead the city, and the role brings with it a huge amount of responsibility which requires total dedication and commitment.  I always said I would be a full time leader, and I am pleased that the panel are of the same view and are making this recommendation.  It enables me to focus completely on dealing with the numerous complex challenges that we are facing.  Whether it’s the budget, improving housing, bringing investment into the city or addressing major health issues, this is a full time job that demands a full time leader.  Anything less is simply not good enough for the people of Liverpool.  Although my allowance will increase, I will not be any better off financially than I was as Leader of the Opposition because I have given up my previous full time job.”

The recommendation will be considered by the next full meeting of the city council on 21 July 2010.  If approved, the allowance will be backdated to the annual meeting on 25 May 2010.

What do you our readers say about this?  Email us now to news24@southportreporter.com.

Choo the Rescue

A Virgin Train driver became a hero last weekend after coming to the rescue for three local Liverpool lads. Aaron Purcell, Daniel Grannon and Chris Thelwall arrived in London on Friday to kick-start a Wimbledon packed weekend but soon realised they were missing something…their tickets.  Not being able to afford a courier at £800, Daniel’s mum sped to Liverpool Lime Street where she begged Geof Perry, a Virgin Train driver to save the day.   Geof said:- “A lady knocked on my window looking frantic and said her son had left his Wimbledon tickets on his mantelpiece and asked if I could I take them down to London for her. I am always happy to help out in situations like this especially when it’s a worthy cause. The trio were extremely grateful, calling me their hero and taking pictures of me by the train. They also said if I listened carefully to the match at Centre Court I would be able to hear chants to the sound of ‘Geof, Geof, Geof’!”  From delivering Wimbledon tickets, returning celebrity dresses and reuniting friends and family, Virgin Trains provides a range of services to its customers.  In the latest National Passenger Survey (Spring 2010) Virgin Trains came top of the league of long-distance train operators for overall passenger satisfaction – 90% of passengers were satisfied with their journey.

Letters to Editor:- "Do you have a DVD of My Father's House?"

"30 years ago I remember watching a a 5 part mini series on TV called "My Father's House." This was as I remember a drama serial adapted from the book by Kathleen Conlon, adapted by Paul a Milne, set in Southport in 1958-62. I love would to see this again, it is not available on DVD, it was made in Southport in 1980 and it was aired on tv in 1981 April 2010. (ref.) Can any of your readers track down the makers of the drama. Not many TV dramas have been made in Southport so let us not forget the ones that have been filmed here. Thank you, I look forward to your responses." Ian Ross.

Editors note:- "We are trying to find out more. We have emailed ITV for more information. If we do get any information back about this program, we will let you know."