Too many cooks...

By Frank Mckenna on Jul 10, 08 11:22 AM

The way in which Liverpool is governed has been an issue that Downtown Liverpool In Business (DLIB) has consistently raised since our launch in May 2004.
It has been our contention that the myriad of agencies responsible for delivering economic development, regeneration and prosperity in Liverpool are too many; too disjointed; too inconsistent; and too ineffective.

On a whole range of key issues, including transport, planning, training and skills and business support, confusion has reigned.
DLIB led calls for the 'culling' of some of the quangos that govern our City back in 2005, and our 'Liverpool One' campaign received the support of hundreds of leading businessmen and woman from across the city region.
The city council responded by merging three regeneration agencies, Vision, Liverpool Land Development Company and Business Liverpool. Though a welcome move, we still have over 90 agencies responsible for delivering services across our region!
Now Government Minister Hazel Blears has announced that it will be easier for cities to opt for an elected mayor. Whenever the issue is raised, I am always contacted by the local media and asked if I would be interested in such a position. Of course I would - and so too would a range of talented and creative individuals who have a real passion and commitment to Liverpool. But they seldom ask why I support the idea of an elected mayor.
In a poll conducted by DLIB last year, over 80% of our members were in favour of an elected mayor for Liverpool.
I believe those members were right because an elected mayor offers so many improvements to the current system, including:

An elected mayor is equally responsible to the whole of the city, unlike a council leader who is elected by a single ward and whose power is derived from an ability to retain the support of other councillors.