A REVIEW of the number of councillors in Wirral has found they provide value for money and there is no need to reduce their number.

Tories had called for the current total of 66 elected members to be cut by a third in order to save the cash-strapped authority more than £320,000 a year.

But a "task and finish" panel of councillors has now completed an examination - and concluded no change is necessary.

Their report will be presented to next Monday's cabinet meeting and says: "Having regard to the evidence presented the panel notes the number of councillors in Wirral is consistent with comparable local authorities.

"Consequently the panel recommends the council does not request the Local Government Boundary Commission for England conduct a review of its electoral arrangements at this time."

Members' allowances and other overheads including administration, buildings, stationery and telephone bills were scrutinised.

It was found the 66 cost Wirral taxpayers £964,106 per year - the average cost of each councillor being £14,608.

The report says slashing numbers to 44 - bringing the count down to two per ward instead of the current three - would save £321,369.

But it adds: "Any savings calculation would need to take into account a likely rise in officer costs associated with increased demand on resources as a result of a reduction in councillor numbers.

"Nonetheless as an illustrative figure, the panel acknowledged that this would represent a considerable saving."

The review group said the future is uncertain: "The panel sees councillors’ roles changing [due to] moves towards greater commissioning of services.

"Although the councillor role regarding commissioning will develop over time, this role will require councillors to hold commissioners and providers to account for delivery of the agreed strategic outcomes."

Council leader Cllr Phil Davies said: “This type of in-depth ‘task and finish’ review is an example of the council’s approach to overview and scrutiny having a real impact on policy development and important decisions.

"This particular report is extremely helpful, with members of all three main political parties in Wirral providing a detailed review and analysis of the subject."