Labour-run Liverpool City Council is drawing up plans for a taxpayer-funded counselling service for staff who feel affected by ‘microaggressions’ and ‘cumulative racial trauma’, Mr S can reveal.
A notice published on 29 September seeks suppliers for a ‘Racial Trauma Support Service’. The council says it is ‘committed to becoming an actively anti-racist organisation’ and has identified a need for specialist support for staff affected by ‘racism, racial discrimination, microaggressions and cumulative racial trauma’.
The service must be ‘independent, confidential, culturally competent and trauma-informed’. Staff could use it ‘whether or not they pursue a formal complaint’.
The council wants the service to run for two years from January 2027, but has yet to say what it will cost. Separately, Liverpool has set aside £90,000 in its Medium Term Financial Strategy to deliver an anti-racism strategy and action plan. The counselling service is one part of that plan.
David Simmonds MP, the Shadow Local Government Minister, blasted the use of public money. He said: ‘Labour councils are more interested in identity politics than fixing the basics. While residents struggle with potholes, rubbish and failing local services, Liverpool City Council is dreaming up taxpayer-funded counselling for upset staff. Under the Conservatives, your council tax will pay for the services the public expect, instead of being wasted on this nonsense.’
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