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Cllr Basnett pledges transparency in Birkenhead project

Cllr Basnett promises full disclosure on the ongoing investigation into the town centre regeneration.

July 23, 2025 at 05:00 AM

'I won’t be brushing anything under the carpet, nothing will be hidden'

Cllr Paula Basnett assures the public that all details about the Birkenhead project will be disclosed.

Cllr Basnett promises transparency in Birkenhead regeneration scheme

Cllr Paula Basnett, the new leader of Wirral Council, has committed to transparency regarding the Birkenhead town centre regeneration scheme. In her recent statements, she emphasized that no information would be hidden as the investigation into the project's considerable budget overruns continues. Originally estimated at £12 million over budget, the total cost may now reach £24 million, prompting concerns about financial decisions made by the council. Basnett confirmed that an internal review is underway, aimed at addressing delays and overspending while involving community feedback. She insists on accountability and aims to improve project management to restore public trust ahead of a crucial council meeting.

Key Takeaways

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Cllr Basnett prioritizes transparency in council dealings.

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The Birkenhead project is significantly over budget by £12 million.

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An internal review aims to assess delays and expenses.

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Public feedback will be encouraged in the decision-making process.

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Trust in local government needs rebuilding, according to Basnett.

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Future project timelines and costs will be reassessed based on findings.

"I won’t be brushing anything under the carpet."

Cllr Basnett affirms her commitment to transparency during an ongoing investigation.

"Our residents are entitled to hear what has been going on."

Cllr Basnett emphasizes accountability to the community regarding council actions.

"We need to have a reputation for delivering."

Basnett speaks about the need to regain public trust through effective project completion.

"Let’s start working together, let’s start working for our residents."

Cllr Basnett calls for collaboration among political groups to benefit the local community.

The continuing investigation into the Birkenhead regeneration project highlights crucial issues around public funding and governance in local councils. Cllr Basnett's strong stance on transparency is timely, especially amid rising public concerns about council financial practices. Her promise to hold officials accountable reflects a growing demand from communities for responsible management of public resources. The outcomes of the investigation could reshape how local projects are managed and funded, setting precedents for future accountability in Wirral and beyond.