DAILY POST COMMENT: Merseyside knows best over cash aid.

ASN'Tit marvellous news a few days ago that Merseyside was almost certainly in line for a fresh helping of Objective 1cash,in a new wave of Euro-munificence?

But, sadly, the euphoria was not allowed to last.Today, we learn that Chancellor Gordon Brown wants to change the rules so that decisions ab out the distribution of money are taken out of local hands - and placed instead with regional development boards directly answerable and accountable to the Treasury.

In other words, we know best . ..and we'll tell you what to do. Mr Brown and his mandarins claim the boards'experience makes them better qualified to target money to areas where it is most needed,and that funding management can be integrated with other, British-based,aid sources.

Shamefully, the implication here seems to be that Objective 1 spending so far has not been to the Treasury's liking. That,no matter what the Merseysiders who have benefited so far from European assistance actually belie ve,Mr Brown and his cohorts can do better.

1 ?Has the Chancellor no knowledge of the changing face of our region, thanks mainly to the decisions of locally-based administrators with regard to Objective 1?Has he not seen the plush apartment blocks and smart offices now replacing the run-down,often near-derelict, warehousing and industrial premises that blighted large areas of Liverpool?

Or,indeed, the towering cranes that stand so prominently on the skyline,promising yet more exciting developments to come?

So much of this has been kicks tarted by Objective 1,and then bac ked by millions in private investment which would otherwise not have happened. If Mr Brown reckons he can do better than what has so far been achieved,he should tell us how,and why.Otherwise,don't meddle with what doesn't need fixing.

MEANWHILE, the much -vaunted Excellence in Cities programme,aimed at raising standards in inner-city schools,has been criticised in an Ofsted report for failing to improve exam results,despite a mammoth pounds 800minvestment.

Liverpool officials claim,on the other hand, that the project has achieved significant successes - but they claim they could do more.

And,guess what? They say the problem is that government officials are imposing too many restrictions on how the money is used, rather than allowing those at the grass roots the flexibility to make their own decisions,based on local needs and difficulties.

So, we would insist again: Those closest to the problems kno wand appreciate how financial assistance can be best targe ted.

Those operating at a level far removed from where the money is actually spent should learn from experience: Interference is bad management ...and achieves nothing,other than irritation and frustration.