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.
The Combined Authority proposal aims to make sure that Liverpool City Region is able to bid for additional Government cash and the devolution of powers to increase economic growth and jobs.
It would bring all key powers into a single decision-making body, leading work on economic development, transport and employment and skills.
The report will be considered by the Cabinet on Friday 13 September and full Liverpool City Council meeting on Wednesday 18 September.
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.”
The Combined Authority would provide clear leadership and greater transparency, while creating a legal entity which would be in a position to attract funding and devolved powers from Government.
If the proposal is agreed by full council and by all other Liverpool City Region Councils, a formal submission will be made to Government on September 30. This will then be subject to government review and further statutory consultation.
For further information, visit: http://liverpool.gov.uk/council/consultation/liverpool-city-region-review-of-strategic-governance-consultation/