Liverpool Council restores July 2025 meeting rules after November changes are dropped

Liverpool City Council has reverted to the Code of Meeting Practice adopted on 23 July 2025, after scrapping the November 2025 changes that had altered how meetings were run. The resolution was passed on 17 June 2026 and affects how councillors, residents and the public take part in council decision-making.

Councillors rescinded resolution COM 01 of 26 November 2025 and reinstated the earlier code without sending it back out for exhibition. The Office of Local Government was also noted as redrafting the model code, with councils to be told the next steps once that work is complete.

A foreshadowed alternative from Cr Macnaught went further than the recommendation. It sought to reinstate and adopt the July 2025 code with two opt-in clauses from the model code, place that version on public exhibition for 28 days, and direct the chief executive to provide a timetable for future meetings at two a month starting at 6pm.

That motion carried unanimously. A separate motion to rescind the previous meeting dates and times was lost.

The code governs how council meetings are conducted, including public access, webcast arrangements and the rules councillors must follow when making decisions. It is a core part of how Liverpool City Council operates.

The meeting also dealt with a broader budget package, but the procedure item stood out for its direct effect on council business. For residents who follow council meetings closely, the return to the July 2025 code restores the earlier framework while the state model is being redrafted.

Any future change to the meeting rules will have to come back to council after the model code rewrite is finished. For now, Liverpool City Council will operate under the previous code adopted on 23 July 2025.