Councillors Jean Robinson and Jeff Green left the room and took no part in the debate due to a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest in the item.

The Director of Finance introduced the report which sought the approval of the 2021 (retrospectively) and the 2022 accounts for Wirral Growth Company Limited Liability Partnership (WGC) following the approval of the accounts by the WGC LLP board.

The Committee discussed the role of Policy & Resources Committee in approving the accounts and the use of the profit from the company. Concerns were raised regarding the oversight of the governance of the company, where officers advised that the Internal Audit team were reviewing the governance of Council-owned-companies. This would be reported to the Audit and Risk Management Committee, but members were advised that Policy and Resources Committee could be provided with further information to consider the role of the company and that this would be added to the work programme.

Resolved – That

(1)  the Wirral Growth Company LLP accounts for year ending 31st December 2022 be approved.

(2)  the Wirral Growth Company LLP accounts for year ending 31st December 2021 be approved retrospectively.