Lib Dems say Warrington residents deserve honesty and accountability

THE Liberal Democrat opposition at Warrington Borough Council has responded to growing public concern on the findings of the Government appointed Ministerial Envoys and the Council’s reliance on Extraordinary Financial Support.

Residents are asking whether money can be retrieved in any way given the scale of the council’s financial difficulties which include £1.4b debt and a £130m budget shortfall.

Cllr Ian Marks, Liberal Democrat Finance Spokesperson said, “Warrington’s financial position is extremely serious, and every pound now matters. People are understandably furious and want accountability but the reality is that pensions or severance payments cannot simply be taken back because decisions turned out badly. The law only allows that where there is proven criminal or grave misconduct.
“The Envoys’ report has highlighted serious historic failings in governance, scrutiny and financial decision making. Liberal Democrat councillors say those findings must now lead to cultural change and stronger oversight.”

Cllr Helen Speed, Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group added, “Residents deserve honesty, even when the answers are uncomfortable. Accountability is not about grand gestures for headlines, but is about transparency, responsibility and making sure these mistakes can never happen again. We stress that if evidence of serious wrongdoing was to emerge in future,
legal options should of course be considered, but only where they were genuine and in the public interest.”
Cllr Mark Browne, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group said, “What residents want is reassurance that this council will never again gamble with their money behind closed doors. That means stronger scrutiny, open decision making and an end to the culture that allowed these problems to grow unchecked. Liberal Democrats believe in doing politics differently — putting residents first and telling them the truth. The Liberal Democrats say the priority now must be stabilising the council’s finances, protecting frontline services and rebuilding public trust under the government intervention.”