The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority held its first combined meeting of the municipal year on Friday 12 June 2026, comprising an annual meeting and an ordinary business meeting. Key decisions included the approval of the updated Combined Authority Constitution, nominations for committees and outside bodies, and the adoption of the Liverpool City Region Local Transport Plan. The meeting also reviewed the Combined Authority's Annual Review for 2025-26, its Q4 performance report, and discussed significant regeneration projects and infrastructure developments across the region.

Combined Authority Constitution Update

The Combined Authority's Constitution was updated to reflect new powers arising from the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026. Key amendments included changes to the source of the Combined Authority's powers, updated provisions for voting arrangements, and revisions to the exercise of Mayoral powers. The report also detailed amendments to treasury management reporting frequency and updated references to Accounts and Audit Regulations. Additionally, changes were made to land procedure rules, including increased financial thresholds for land transactions and the introduction of new paragraphs on valuation, acquisition, and disposal procedures. The Officer Code of Conduct was also updated, and dismissal delegations for Chief Officers were clarified.

Nominations to Committees and Outside Bodies

The meeting saw the approval of nominations for the Combined Authority's committees and appointments to various outside bodies for the 2026-27 municipal year. This included noting appointments from constituent councils, the Mayor's appointment of Councillor Mike Wharton as Deputy Mayor, and the designation of Cabinet Members and Statutory Officers. The programme of meetings for the upcoming year was also noted, with delegations granted for the finalisation of certain appointments and alterations to meeting dates. Nominations to outside bodies such as the Chrysalis Fund, Liverpool City Region Digital Ltd, and Transport for the North were also approved, with further nominations delegated to the Transport Committee and the Monitoring Officer.

Mayor's Announcements and Updates

Mayor Steve Rotheram provided a comprehensive update on recent activities and key developments. He welcomed new members to the cabinet, including Councillor George Woodward, Leader of St. Helens Council, and Andy King, the new Director of Clean Energy Net-Zero. Mayor Rotheram highlighted significant progress in economic development, including the launch of the £2 billion LCR Investment Fund and the ongoing development of the LCR Innovation Zone, which is attracting global companies and fostering breakthroughs in areas like AI and life sciences. He also detailed advancements in transport, such as the milestone of over one million journeys made using the 'tap and go' system and the unveiling of the new Mersey Ferry, the Royal Daffodil. The Mayor emphasised the positive impact of the Combined Authority's policies, noting Liverpool's significant fall in deprivation and unemployment, and highlighted key visits and initiatives across the city region, including the unveiling of the Heysel Stadium memorial and the launch of new electric bus fleets.

Public Question Time

Mr. Rawlinson submitted a question regarding the Combined Authority's assurance processes for governance, risk management, and oversight of transport, major events, and public safety. He inquired whether this assurance was based on independently verifiable evidence or reliance on information from constituent authorities, and specifically asked if the evidential integrity of underlying control frameworks, including traffic management and congestion control, had been assessed within risk orders. Jim, responding on behalf of the Combined Authority, confirmed that assurance is directed to matters within the Combined Authority's statutory remit. He clarified that while traffic management, road closures, and congestion control are the responsibility of relevant local authorities, the Combined Authority is satisfied that plans take account of applicable statutory frameworks, particularly concerning the Mersey Tunnels. A detailed written response was promised within 10 working days.

Combined Authority Annual Review 2025-26

The Combined Authority's Annual Review for 2025-26 was presented, highlighting achievements against the 'Innovating for Growth' Corporate Plan. The review showcased progress across five priority areas: Economy, People, Place, Transport, and Digital Infrastructure. Key highlights included the launch of the 10-year Liverpool City Region Growth Plan, a £2 billion Investment Fund to drive regeneration and job creation, and the £1.5 billion Integrated Settlement providing greater local control over funding. The report detailed significant investments in adult skills, housing, public transport, and net-zero initiatives, underscoring the Combined Authority's commitment to creating a fairer, greener, and more prosperous region. A video summarising the year's progress was shown, and Councillor Robinson praised the report, emphasising the need for continued ambition and progress.

Q4 2025-26 Performance Report

The Q4 2025-26 Performance Report indicated strong progress against the Combined Authority Corporate Plan, with 86% of commitments on track. Key achievements included securing funding for lab capacity at Ultraviolet 2 in Daresbury, supporting 1,050 businesses through the Growth Hub, and the launch of the LCR Login Programme, which assisted 1,500 residents in getting online. In transport, the first bus franchising contracts were awarded, and the new Mersey Ferry, 'The Royal Daffodil', neared completion. The report also noted progress in digital infrastructure, including the development of an AI roadmap and the agreement of a new business plan for LCR Connect. Some areas requiring further attention were identified, including the development of the business case for new Merseyrail stations and the tendering process for the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Programme.

Strategic Investment Fund Quarterly Report

The quarterly report on the Strategic Investment Fund (SIF) for January to March 2026 was presented, along with a request for approval of changes to the Liverpool City Region Ventures (LYVA Labs) project. The report detailed the status of various funding streams, including Gainshare, CRSTS, LUF, BLF, UKSPF, Innovation Zone, Freeport, and Chrysalis Fund. A material change request for LYVA Labs was approved, merging Phases 1 and 2 of the project to create a more flexible £6 million fund and extending the Phase 1 completion date to December 2027. This change aims to increase the likelihood of significant returns on investment and enhance the fund's sustainability. Immaterial and intermediate changes to other SIF projects were also noted.

Halsnead Symmetry Park Change Control

Approval was sought for a material change to the Halsnead Symmetry Park project. This change involves extending the Grant Funding Agreement end date and increasing the project's outputs to deliver 86,400 sq m of employment space, supporting over 1,100 jobs, while keeping the grant value unchanged at £3.79 million. The project, delivered by Tritax Big Box Developments, redevelops a former colliery site and will now include a country park. The revised arrangements include updated overage clauses to ensure the Combined Authority receives a return on its investment.

Liverpool North Docks Mayoral Development Corporation Consultation

The meeting discussed the proposed approach to consulting on the creation of a Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) for Liverpool's North Docks. The MDC is intended to accelerate regeneration by bringing land forward, delivering infrastructure, and utilising flexible financial tools. The proposed consultation would cover the principle of creating the MDC, its name (Liverpool North Docks ), the red line boundary of the Mayoral Development Area, and proposed powers including land assembly, compulsory purchase orders, planning functions, and infrastructure delivery. Liverpool City Council has allocated £250,000 per annum to support the MDC's running costs.

Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Concession Contract Award

An update was provided on the procurement process for the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Concession Contract. The Combined Authority secured £9.6 million in LEVI capital funding from the Department for Transport to procure on-street electric vehicle charging infrastructure across the region. The report detailed the competitive flexible procurement process, which involved market engagement, dialogue with suppliers, and the invitation to tender. Delegated authority was sought for the Executive Director – Place to award the contract following the conclusion of the procurement, which aims to provide reliable, affordable, and convenient charging for residents without off-street parking, supporting net-zero ambitions and improving air quality.

Combined Authority Policy Framework 2026-27

The report summarised the Combined Authority's Policy Framework, detailing key policies and strategies approved in the 2025-26 municipal year and outlining those due for approval or review in the upcoming year. Policies approved in the last year included the Liverpool City Region Growth Plan, the Get Liverpool City Region Working Plan, the Social Value Annual Report, the Vision for Sustainable Water Management, the Advertising Policy, the Major Events Strategy, the Anti-Racism Strategy, the Local Nature Recovery Strategy, the Integrated Settlement, the Housing Strategy 2026-31, the LCRCA Investment Strategy, the Local Skills Improvement Plan, the Local Transport Plan 2026-40, and the Climate Action Plan Mid-term Review. The report also identified upcoming policy documents for the 2026-27 municipal year, such as the Homelessness Task Force Commissioning Plan, Annual Skills Statement, and the Equality Strategy.