Wirral Council claims financial stability despite past deficit

The Chief Executive of Wirral Council, Paul Satoor, defended the council during a recent meeting, stating it is in its strongest position ever. This comes after the council faced a serious financial crisis, nearly reaching bankruptcy due to a £20 million deficit. Satoor spoke at the Policy and Resources committee meeting on March 19, expressing disappointment over public criticism of the council. Earlier, a member of the public had targeted him for being the highest-paid official. The council had a tough start to 2025 but received a £27.5 million government bailout to help balance its budget over the next two years. Since requiring financial aid in 2021, Satoor noted that the council has made significant progress. He mentioned that the relationship between councillors and officers has grown stronger. He also highlighted that the council has improved its project management by reducing the number of ongoing initiatives from 100 to 67. The issues with the budget were mainly related to social care, which Satoor indicated is beyond the council's control. He assured that going forward, the council would focus on stabilizing its finances and protecting key services. Satoor acknowledged that criticisms can be demoralizing for staff and that negative comments can affect their morale and ability to retain talent, especially among younger employees. He emphasized the importance of responsible decision-making for the benefit of the community. During the meeting, Conservative leader Cllr Jeff Green praised Satoor's leadership and recognized the dedication of Labour leader Cllr Stuart to the needs of local residents.