You can vote now and have your say on how Liverpool is run – here’s what you need to know.

Did you know there’s a BIG discussion happening in Liverpool right now which will affect the city’s future?

Because there is – and everyone who lives here can get involved and get their opinion heard.

It’s a chance to have your say over something really important.

Liverpool City Council is asking us all to help decide how the council is run from next year by having a say on the way it works at the top. Public views are being sought in a city wide consultation exercise to inform the final decision to be made by the Council on 20 July.

They want to know which of the three governance models you want to run the Council.

We’re all passionate about our city, we care about what happens here, and we’re not shy about letting everyone know what we think.

How it’s run really matters – it’s about keeping the things that work best for the people who live here and changing the things that don’t.

The consultation runs until 20 June. 

Here is a guide to what you need to know to participate.

What are the options?

The Council is asking residents and those who are stakeholders in the city their view on how Liverpool City Council is run after the elections in May 2023.

There are three options to choose from:

• A Mayor who is directly elected by voters every four years – that’s the system we have now

• A Leader who is an elected councillor, chosen by a vote of the other elected councillors – that’s the system we had previously, before we had our first elected Mayor in 2012

• One or more committees which are made up of elected councillors. This is a system introduced in 2012 and adopted in a number of councils, including Sheffield, Brighton and Bristol

You can find a description of the different models and where to find further information on the consultation website, https://liverpoolourwayforward.com/

Who can take part?

Any adult who lives in Liverpool, and that includes if you’re from an EU country or living here as a student.

The council also wants to hear the opinions of anyone who works, runs a business or has any other active involvement in the city.

Businesses, organisations and groups are able to write in with their views.

You can still get involved even if you don’t have a permanent address, either by using The Whitechapel Centre as a temporary one, or by having your say in person at the Cunard Building.

How can you get your opinion included?

The easiest way is to go online and complete the Our Way Forward survey on the website HERE.

Read the information about the different models and then state your preference in the online vote. You can also leave any comments.

To help ensure there is no duplicate voting and everyone gets an equal say, the council requires you provide your contact details. They can’t count your preference without these details, so if you send in more than one only the response will be considered. Your information is kept securely and is not shared – more info is available HERE.

Email and in writing

The consultation is not limited to online responses. You can also email governanceconsultation@liverpool.gov.uk or write to Electoral Services, Liverpool City Council, Cunard Building, Water Street, Liverpool, L3 1AH.

If you email or write, remember to include your full name, address and post code to help keep the consultation secure.

Responding in Person

If you don’t want to do it online or you can’t, go to one of the following locations where you can complete a form and drop it the ballot box displayed there.

Ballot boxes are in the following libraries and One Stop Shops: Central, Allerton, Breck Road, Childwall, Croxteth, Dovecot, Fazakerley, Garston, Kensington, Lee Valley, Norris Green, Parklands, Old Swan, Sefton Park, Toxteth, Wavertree and West Derby libraries, plus One Stop Shops in Garston, Kirkdale and

Parklands. If you don’t have a permanent address, the Whitechapel Centre will let you use their facilities, or come to the Cunard Building at the Pier Head to ensure your voice is heard too.

When does the consultation close?

You have until midnight on Monday June 20 to complete the survey online or fill out a form and make sure your opinion gets out there and helps shape Liverpool’s future!

What happens next?

The results of the consultation will go to a full council meeting on 20 July where they will be considered by councillors, who will make a decision on which option to implement from May 2023.