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Max Caller
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Max Caller

Local government inspector who led the 2021 Best Value inspection of Liverpool City Council.

Max Caller retired in July 2025 after serving as Birmingham's lead commissioner and inspecting troubled councils.

Last refreshed: 22 October 2026

Timeline for Max Caller

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Background

Max Caller is a retired local government inspector and former council chief executive. He led Barnet Council before moving to Hackney Council, where he oversaw recovery from statutory intervention. He later chaired the Local Government Boundary Commission for England, giving him experience across council management, electoral boundaries and central government oversight.

Caller became one of the government's most experienced specialists in troubled councils. He served as a commissioner at Tower Hamlets, Slough and Birmingham, led Best Value inspections at Northamptonshire and Liverpool, and reviewed Nottingham after the collapse of Robin Hood Energy. The government replaced him as Birmingham's lead commissioner when he retired in July 2025.

Common Questions
Why is Max Caller linked to Bedford Borough Council?
Bedford's proposed intervention was compared with Liverpool's intervention after his 2021 inspection.Source: Lowdown
When did Max Caller retire?
The government announced his replacement following retirement in July 2025.Source: Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
What was Max Caller's role in Liverpool?
He led the 2021 Best Value inspection that preceded government intervention.Source: Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
Which councils did Max Caller lead?
He was chief executive of Barnet Council and then Hackney Council.Source: Birmingham City Council
Who is Max Caller?
He is a retired council chief executive and inspector known for work with troubled local authorities.Source: Birmingham City Council
Source Material
Liverpool City Council: updated explanatory memorandumBirmingham City Council: lead commissioner appointment letterCommissioners appointed to oversee improvements at Birmingham City Council

Written with AI from Lowdown's published reporting. Not individually reviewed by an editor. Updated 22 October 2026. Editorial standards.