A proposal to create a Combined Authority for the Liverpool City Region has been submitted to Government today (30 September 2013). The submission is a further step forward in capitalising on the area’s strengths and assets to attract substantially more funding into the region, which would be a great boost for the economy and the jobs market.
This follows agreement between all six local authorities in the City Region and Merseytravel.
Businesses, partners and the public were consulted with over the summer, and over 80% of respondents confirmed that they were in favour.
A Combined Authority would mean closer working between the organisations, resulting in supporting growth and securing more jobs for the City Region.
A Combined Authority would not result in the creation of a ‘super council’, replace or merge councils. The focus of the Combined Authority would be on strategic decisions around economic development, regeneration, housing and transport. It would use this joint influence to draw-down powers and resources from Central Government for local use.
Building on the recent success from the Liverpool City Region Deal agreed with Government in 2012, the expected benefits of a Combined Authority include:
Bringing together the strategic decision making for economic development, regeneration, transport and other major initiatives across the City Region
Clear, transparent and accountable leadership
Faster, more streamlined and more integrated decision making
Using resources more efficiently and effectively, to make a bigger impact on the City Region’s residents, businesses and economy
Delivering economies of scale, efficiencies and greater effectiveness.
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.