Commissioners sent in to take over some Liverpool City Council functions

Commissioners have been parachuted in to take over planning and property decisions in Liverpool after an inspection identified “multiple failures” and “mismanagement” by the city council which have cost taxpayers millions.

Local Government Secretary Robert Jenrick commissioned the report after the arrest of Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson, who has since stepped aside, though he denies any wrongdoing.

Today’s decision comes six weeks before voters are asked to elect Mr Anderson’s successor.