Claire Hamilton

Silversmith Alex Healy says she has been priced out of Liverpool's Christmas market after the event's new operator, Underbelly, nearly doubled the cost of a six-week chalet from £6,780 to just under £14,000, before additional charges. Healy says the market previously generated about 80% of her Christmas-market income and that her jewellery business, Pare de Bijoux, could be at risk. Liverpool City Council says Underbelly independently manages trader arrangements and argues that the city's festive markets support local businesses. Underbelly, which won the contract and plans to introduce a new outdoor ice-skating attraction, did not respond to requests for comment on vendors' concerns.

Tributes from Liverpool City Region mayor Steve Rotheram highlighted the decades-long efforts of Hillsborough families and campaigners as MPs approved the Public Office Accountability Bill, known as the Hillsborough Law. The legislation requires public officials to be truthful during inquiries, addressing long-standing concerns stemming from the 1989 disaster and the false narratives that followed. Rotheram and Andy Burnham held high-level discussions with security services to resolve objections that previously stalled the bill. Campaigners including Margaret Aspinall and Ian Byrne were credited for sustaining the pursuit of truth and accountability, with the law expected to be enacted by autumn.

Rail services at Cressington will be reduced during The Open due to longer trains unable to stop at the station’s short platform, prompting criticism from councillor Richard Clein. Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram acknowledged the disruption but said it would be minimal, citing long‑known technical issues with trackside beacons needed for eight‑car trains. Merseyrail will run an event timetable from 16 to 19 July to manage increased demand while testing new stopping arrangements continues.

Delays to the £100m Liverpool Baltic rail station have frustrated Mayor Steve Rotheram, who said work will now not begin until 2027 despite earlier plans for completion that year. He blamed fragmentation in the rail system and the difficulty of securing permissions to halt train services during construction. The station, intended to serve the Baltic Triangle and Toxteth areas by redeveloping the former St James Station site, has planning permission but no appointed contractor. Rotheram insisted the project will proceed but is advancing more slowly than hoped.

Liverpool’s council-run children’s services have improved from an inadequate 2023 Ofsted rating to good in three of four assessed areas, with progress attributed to greater engagement with young people and investment in staffing and training. Ofsted said support for care leavers and responses to homeless children still require improvement, while concerns remain over the short-term use of unregistered homes. Local leaders welcomed the progress but stressed unresolved issues, including delays to a planned care leavers hub. Opposition councillors urged clearer timelines and stronger delivery for support services.

Sefton Park’s vandalised playground has been closed after its flooring was ripped up and is set for repairs followed by a full upgrade in early 2027. Local parents described long‑standing disrepair, while councillor Laura Robertson‑Collins said the council is committed to renewing play areas citywide and urged the public to report vandalism. Liverpool City Council expressed frustration over the damage and noted ongoing investment in parks across the city. The playground will remain shut until 10 July for immediate repairs before the full refurbishment begins.

Halton Borough Council leader Mike Wharton and deputy Dave Thompson are stepping down following Labour’s heavy losses in recent local elections, though both will remain as ward councillors. Wharton will also leave his role as deputy mayor of the Liverpool City Region. Reform UK’s opposition leader Jonathan Mackie criticised Labour’s leadership, while Labour remains the largest party despite Reform’s gains. The council credited Wharton and Thompson with major local initiatives, including the Mersey Gateway Bridge and Runcorn regeneration. A new Labour group leader is expected to be chosen ahead of a full council meeting on 8 July, while Liverpool City Region mayor Steve Rotheram will appoint a new deputy metro mayor in the coming weeks.