Wirral Council has denied reports that it is seeking an “emergency bailout” from the government to plug a budget gap of £49m caused by soaring inflation, rises in energy costs and wage pressures.
Following a council meeting on 10 October, a motion was approved instructing council leader Janette Williamson to write to chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng to “ask for the support that Wirral needs and deserves”.
However, the council insisted that this did not constitute a request for a “bailout”, but referred to a fairer funding system across local government.
A spokesperson for the council said: “During a debate at a meeting of full council (Monday October 10) a notice of motion was passed by the council which specifically asked for ‘fairer funding’ and ‘a fair, long-term funding settlement for Wirral by central government in December 2022’.”
The motion approved at the meeting also stated: “Without government intervention, councils such as Wirral will be forced to cease all non-essential services that are so vital and cherished by our residents.”
Wirral announced this week that nine of its libraries would close in late October, although some of these may reopen on a community basis if business cases are approved by the council.
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