Merseyside set to sign devo deal

MERSEYSIDE will become the fifth city region to sign a devolution deal, giving its political leaders wide-ranging powers and more control of spending.

Secretary of State for Communities Greg Clark and Commercial Secretary to the Treasury Lord O’Neill – the economist drafted in to government by Chnacellor George Osborne with a brief to make the Northern Powerhouse concept a reality – will sign the deal in Liverpool later this morning.

Last week, the five council leaders of Merseyside plus Halton “agreed in principle” a deal with the government to devolve more powers from Whitehall.

The deal will mean that voters from across the city region will elect a mayor in 2017.

Chancellor George Osborne called it “a historic day” for the region.

It follows similar plans signed in Greater Manchester, Sheffield, the North East and Tees Valley.

Mr Osborne said: “This revolutionary deal cements the area’s position as a gateway to the north, from North Wales all the way to Newcastle, and gives local people control over their own affairs for the first time.”

He thanked all the council leaders for working together to come to an agreement which will give the Liverpool City Region a “powerful new voice in national life”.

It is understood the deal will provide funding for Liverpool to continue to be the host city for the International Festival for Business in 2018 and 2020.

The new metro mayor’s powers will include controls over local transport budgets, franchised bus services and increased responsibility over employment support and skills provision.

The deal also includes control over investment worth £30m a year for the next 30 years – aimed at  helping to “unlock the huge economic potential of the River Mersey and the new Superport”