Liverpool prepares for combined authority

A PROPOSAL to create a combined authority to improve the economic performance of Liverpool City Region is to be considered by councillors in Liverpool.
 
It follows a governance review by Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens and Wirral Councils, Merseytravel and the Liverpool City Region local enterprise partnership (LEP).

A combined authority, which is already present in Greater Manchester, would not mean the creation of a “super council” but would formalise existing links between the six authorities and take over the transport responsibilities from Merseytravel.
 
Merseyside said it would make it easier to deliver business support, bid for additional Government cash and take on devolved powers.

Mayor of Liverpool and chair of Liverpool City Region cabinet, Joe Anderson said: “The Government are clear that this is a model of governance that will put regions ahead of the game in the race for funding.
 
“For me it is an absolute no-brainer, and merely lays down the existing positive but informal arrangements that already exist. We desperately need to secure more funding if we are to continue to increase the number of jobs and lever in more investment.
 
“This will put us in a much stronger position to be able to draw-down powers and resources from Central Government for local use.”