Council’s energy bill mistake ‘could lead to fire service cuts’

Mistakes made by officials have reportedly forced Liverpool City Council to sign a more expensive energy deal

A councillor in Liverpool has warned a tariff error could result in fire service cuts.

Two weeks ago, ELN reported that the local authority could spend £26 million on total energy costs after a mistake made when officials had not been informed about ScottishPower’s move to exit the commercial market.

Andrew Makinson has written to Chief Fire Officer to find out what the impact of a more expensive energy deal might be on the fire service.

The Liberal Democrat councillor said Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service (MFRS)’s bill could be £1 million extra due to this error.

An MFRS spokesperson told ELN: “Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service have been in discussion with Liverpool City Council with regards to the situation and at this time we await the outcome of the independent review, actual costs and suggested remedy before considering our next steps.

“We have understandably commissioned an internal audit to review of our agreement with Liverpool City Council from an authority perspective and will implement any recommendations from this review.

“Following the outcome of the Liverpool City Council’s independent review, the authority will consider whether it continues to procure its utilities through Liverpool City Council or seeks to introduce an alternative arrangement which we are currently exploring.”

ELN has approached Liverpool City Council for a response.

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