Liverpool submits combined authority plan

LIVERPOOL and its neighbours have submitted a proposal to Government to create a combined authority for the city region.

It follows a 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.

A statement issued by Knowsley said: “Whilst there is evidence of strong partnership working in the Liverpool City Region, a combined authority would provide a formal body, providing greater opportunities. These include maximising investment, the creation of jobs and improving access to Government funding for the benefit of the area.”

The Government will now review the proposal and undertake a statutory consultation. A decision is expected in April 2014.