This week in Liverpool City Region Combined Authority:

A £1.5 Billion Boost: Devolution Deal Promises Greater Local Control

The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority has taken a significant step towards greater local autonomy with the formal adoption of the Integrated Settlement. This landmark agreement, worth £1.5 billion, replaces a complex web of previous funding streams with a single, multi-year settlement. This means more certainty, flexibility, and crucially, local control over how funds are spent to benefit residents.

Mayor Steve Rotheram hailed the settlement as genuine devolution, stating it allows the Combined Authority to plan for the long term rather than sort of living hand to mouth. The agreement signifies a shift from being solely a funder to a strategic investor, with a new Strategic Investment Board (SIB) established to oversee its delivery and manage financial flexibilities. This move is expected to be transformational, enabling investment across transport, housing, skills, the economy, and innovation, ultimately aiming to deliver lasting change for everyone in the city region.

For vulnerable groups, this increased local control could mean more tailored support. By having a clearer, longer-term funding picture, the Combined Authority can better plan and deliver services that address specific local needs, from affordable housing initiatives to targeted skills training programmes.

Read more about the Integrated Settlement

New Housing Strategy Aims to Accelerate Delivery and Improve Quality

A new Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Housing Strategy 2026-31 has been approved for publication, setting out a clear vision to tackle housing pressures across the region. The strategy prioritises four key areas:

• Accelerating the delivery of high-quality homes across all tenures.
• Ensuring the right skills are in place to support housing development.
• Improving the quality and standards of existing homes.
• Continuing action to tackle homelessness and rough sleeping.

The strategy marks a significant shift from being just a funder to a strategic investor, moving towards a whole-place approach and evolving into a system leader. This means a more coordinated effort to ensure that new homes are not only built but are also high-quality, affordable, and meet the diverse needs of residents.

The Police and Crime Commissioner, Emily Spurrell, strongly endorsed the strategy, highlighting its importance for victims of crime and vulnerable residents. She specifically praised the Prisoners Building Homes Initiative, noting its potential to create stable and suitable housing, which in turn reduces instability for those most in need. This focus on secure housing is vital for improving the well-being and safety of many in our communities.

Find out more about the Housing Strategy

Local Transport Plan 2026-2040 Adopted: A Vision for Sustainable Travel

The Liverpool City Region's Local Transport Plan (LTP) for 2026-2040 has been adopted, consolidating previous plans for Merseyside and Halton into a single, clear vision for an efficient, clean, and healthy transport system. This vision-led approach prioritises people and sustainable travel modes over private vehicles.

The plan outlines eight core principles and five key goals, including supporting job growth, achieving net-zero carbon emissions, improving health and safety, ensuring resilient infrastructure, and fostering innovation. Significant funding is allocated through the Transport for City Regions (TCR) programme.

This comprehensive plan is crucial for ensuring that transport infrastructure supports the region's growth while also contributing to environmental goals. For those who rely on public transport, particularly those with limited mobility or on lower incomes, the focus on efficiency and sustainability promises a more accessible and reliable network. The move towards bus franchising, also discussed at the meeting, is a key component of this strategy, aiming for a more consistent and accountable bus service across the region.

Explore the Local Transport Plan

Other Matters

Senior Staffing Changes Considered

The LCR Appointments and Disciplinary Committee met to consider senior staffing changes within the Combined Authority. Discussions were held in private to protect individual information, as permitted by the Local Government Act 1972.

Details of the LCR Appointments and Disciplinary Committee meeting

Climate Action Plan Mid-Term Review

A mid-term review of the Five-Year Climate Action Plan (2023-2028) confirmed strong progress in delivering actions across various sectors. The review reaffirms the commitment to reaching net zero by 2035, aligning climate action with both environmental and economic priorities. Key achievements include retrofitting homes and investing in public sector decarbonisation.

Read the Climate Action Plan review

Bus Franchising Consultation Update

An update was provided on the statutory consultation for the proposed service permit scheme as part of the move towards bus franchising. Amendments have been made to the final documentation based on feedback received, aiming to ensure non-franchised bus services meet essential standards.

More on the bus franchising consultation

Gather Project Extension Approved

Material changes were approved for the Gather project, which supports the digital, creative, and technology sector. This includes a one-year extension to March 2027, with an additional £390,000 in funding to continue business support and job creation.

Details on the Gather project changes

Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) Development Noted

The development process for the refreshed Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) was noted. This plan, developed collaboratively, focuses on priority sectors and aims to strengthen progression pathways and address skills gaps.

Information on the LSIP development