The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority met on Friday 12 June 2026 to discuss a range of important issues, including the adoption of its updated constitution, appointments to various committees, and a comprehensive review of its performance over the past year. Key decisions made included the approval of the Strategic Investment Fund Quarterly Report, the Halsnead Symmetry Park Change Control, and the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Concession Contract Award.

Combined Authority Constitution Update

The Combined Authority reviewed and approved updates to its constitution, reflecting new powers derived from the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026. These amendments ensure the constitution remains effective for good governance and incorporates changes to meeting procedures, the powers of the authority and its officers, and codes of conduct. The revised constitution was adopted, with further reviews planned as new provisions of the Act are implemented.

Appointments to Committees and Outside Bodies

The meeting addressed nominations for the Combined Authority and appointments to its various committees for the 2026-27 municipal year. This included noting appointments from constituent councils, approving co-opted and associate members, and endorsing the allocation of Cabinet Portfolios. Additionally, nominations to outside bodies were approved, ensuring the Combined Authority maintains connections with external organisations to coordinate efforts and improve the city region. Outstanding nominations were delegated to the Monitoring Officer and Mayor for finalisation.

Mayor's Announcements and Updates

Mayor Steve Rotheram provided an update on recent activities and key developments. He highlighted the Combined Authority's significant presence at UKREiiF, where a £2 billion pipeline of projects was presented, generating positive momentum for schemes in Liverpool and across the region. He also noted the milestone of over one million journeys made using the Tap and Go transport system and the upcoming launch of the new Mersey Ferry, the Royal Daffodil. Mayor Rotheram also shared positive news regarding a significant fall in deprivation in Liverpool, alongside a decrease in unemployment and an increase in residents with formal qualifications. He also detailed several local initiatives and visits, including the unveiling of a memorial to the Heysel Stadium victims, a Mayoral Question Time event, the opening of a new care home in Runcorn, and inspections of new electric buses and charging depots.

Public Question Time

Mr Rowlandson submitted a question concerning the Combined Authority's governance, risk management, and oversight of transport delivery, major events, and public safety. He inquired whether the authority's assurance processes were based on independently verifiable evidence or reliance on information from constituent authorities, specifically asking if control frameworks for traffic management and road closures had been explicitly assessed within its risk and audit processes. Mayor Rotheram responded that the Combined Authority's assurance is focused on matters within its statutory remit. He clarified that responsibilities for traffic management, road closures, and congestion control lie with the relevant local authorities, with the Combined Authority's assurance limited to its own remit, including the Mersey Tunnels where applicable. A formal written response was promised.

Combined Authority Annual Review 2025-26

The Combined Authority reviewed its Annual Review for 2025-26, which highlighted the impact of its work on the lives of the region's residents. Mayor Rotheram emphasised the collaborative efforts that have driven progress in jobs, skills, transport, housing, digital infrastructure, and the transition to net zero. A video summarising key achievements was presented. Councillor Liam Robinson commended the progress, particularly Mayor Rotheram's leadership in securing powers for an overnight visitor levy, which is expected to boost the visitor economy. The Annual Review was approved, and the progress made over the past 12 months was noted.

Q4 2025-26 Performance Reporting

A performance report for the fourth quarter of 2025-26 was presented, showing strong progress across all five priority areas of the Corporate Plan: Economy, People, Place, Transport, and Digital Infrastructure. Mayor Rotheram, as Cabinet Member for Transport, confirmed the awarding of bus franchising contracts, the nearing of two million journeys on the Tap and Go system, and the upcoming trial stages for the new Mersey Ferry. Councillor Atkinson, Cabinet Member for Employment and Skills, reported that the digital inclusion programme had supported over 1,500 residents in the quarter, bringing the total to over 7,600. Councillor Basnett, Cabinet Member for Energy and Environment, highlighted the finalisation of the Local Nature Recovery Strategy and continued progress on the Mersey Tidal Power Project. Councillor Morgan, Cabinet Member for Housing and Strategic Planning, noted the approval of a place-based pipeline and significant progress in tackling homelessness. Councillor Robinson, Cabinet Member for Public Service Innovation, mentioned a successful joint bid for a Prevention Accelerator programme and the co-design of the new WorkWell Service. Councillor Wharton, Cabinet Member for Economic Growth and Regeneration, highlighted the growth of the Growth Platform and successful attendance at MIPIM. Councillor Woodward, Cabinet Member for Education, reported on the Careers Hub's engagement with schools and employers. The report and the work delivered to achieve the Corporate Plan priorities were noted.

Strategic Investment Fund Quarterly Report

The Combined Authority received an update on the Strategic Investment Fund (SIF) for the period January to March 2026. Councillor Mike Wharton, Cabinet Member for Economic Growth and Regeneration, reported that £2.19 billion of SIF investments were currently in delivery across 244 projects. The report recommended endorsing a change control request for the Liverpool City Region Ventures (LYVA Labs) project, including a change to the project completion date for Phase 1 from December 2026 to December 2027. Immaterial and intermediate changes to other SIF projects were also noted. The recommendations were approved.

Halsnead Symmetry Park Change Control

Approval was sought for a material change to the Halsnead Symmetry Park project. Councillor Mike Wharton explained that a £3.79 million grant approved in 2022 had supported the enabling infrastructure and construction of the first unit, which delivered 15,000 square meters of employment space and supported 200 jobs. The proposed change would extend the grant funding agreement's end date and increase the development's output to 86,000 square meters of employment space, supporting over 1,100 jobs, while keeping the grant value unchanged. Councillor Graham Morgan, Leader of Knowsley Council, supported the report, commending the collaborative work on the former Cronton Colliery site. The recommendations, including increasing project outputs, maintaining the grant figure, extending the completion date, revising overage arrangements, and delegating authority for variations, were approved.

Liverpool North Docks Mayoral Development Corporation Consultation

Mayor Rotheram presented the proposed approach to the consultation for the Liverpool North Docks Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC). He described the MDC as a significant opportunity for regeneration, encompassing Liverpool Waters, Central Docks, the commercial district, and Everton Football Club's new stadium. The MDC aims to deliver thousands of new homes, jobs, commercial space, and public spaces. A comprehensive consultation on the MDC's purpose, geography, and powers was proposed to ensure local input. Councillor Liam Robinson amplified the Mayor's enthusiasm, describing the project as one of the most exciting regeneration opportunities in Europe and vital for Liverpool and the entire City Region. In principle approval was granted for the creation of the MDC and for a consultation exercise to be undertaken. The proposed structure and content of the consultation, including the Mayoral Development Area boundary, were noted. The Mayor will make the final decision on commencing the consultation.

Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Concession Contract Award

The Combined Authority considered a report detailing the procurement process for the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Concession Contract and sought delegated authority to award the contract. Mayor Rotheram, Cabinet Member for Transport, highlighted the importance of ensuring fair access to EV charging infrastructure, particularly for residents without private off-street parking. He stated that the initiative supports net zero ambitions, improves air quality, and ensures an inclusive transition to new technologies. The report noted the comprehensive procurement process and granted delegated authority to the Executive Director Place, in consultation with the Monitoring Officer and Executive Director Resources, to approve the award of the LEVI Concession Contract to the successful supplier.

Combined Authority Policy Framework 2026-27

The Combined Authority received an annual update on its Policy Framework, detailing key policies and strategies approved in the 2025-26 municipal year and outlining those due for approval or review in the forthcoming year. The report highlighted the importance of a comprehensive policy framework in securing and delivering the Integrated Settlement. Key policies approved in the last year included the Liverpool City Region Growth Plan, the Housing Strategy 2026-31, the Local Transport Plan 2026-40, and the Climate Action Plan Mid-term Review. The report also identified upcoming policy documents for the next municipal year, such as the Homelessness Task Force Commissioning Plan and the Equality Strategy. The contents of the report and Appendix 1 were noted.