The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority met on Friday 17 April 2A026 to discuss a range of significant issues, including the adoption of a new Local Transport Plan, the approval of an Investment Strategy, and the endorsement of a new Housing Strategy. Key decisions were made regarding the Integrated Settlement, bus franchising, and the mid-term review of the Five-Year Climate Action Plan.

Integrated Settlement

The Combined Authority formally noted the receipt of the Integrated Settlement, a landmark agreement representing a new chapter in devolution for the area. This settlement replaces multiple funding streams with a single, multi-year pot, providing greater certainty, flexibility, and local control. The Authority approved the establishment of a Strategic Investment Board (SIB) to oversee the delivery of the Integrated Settlement and delegated authority to the SIB to exercise certain financial flexibilities within agreed thresholds. This move is expected to be transformational, enabling strategic investment across transport, housing, skills, the economy, innovation, and public services, ultimately aiming to deliver lasting change for residents.

Local Transport Plan (LTP)

A new Local Transport Plan (LTP) for the Liverpool City Region was adopted, setting a clear and up-to-date vision for an efficient, clean, and healthy transport system to support growth and opportunity until 2040. This consolidated plan replaces previous separate LTPs for Merseyside and Halton. The development process involved extensive engagement with elected members, the public, and scrutiny committees. The plan aligns with national guidance and addresses key themes such1 as personal safety, ongoing engagement, co-design, and clear commitments. The Delivery Plan, which outlines funding priorities, particularly the £1.6 billion devolved Transport for City Regions (TCR) funding within the Integrated Settlement, will be regularly updated.

Investment Strategy

The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (LCRCA) Investment Strategy was approved, providing a 10-year blueprint for deploying funding to achieve the objectives of the LCR Growth Plan. This strategy marks a significant shift from a predominantly grant-based model to a more diverse investment toolkit, including loans, equity, and patient capital. The Combined Authority will act as a strategic investor, moving beyond simply distributing funding to actively shaping the future with confidence. The strategy emphasizes aligning housing, transport, skills, regeneration, innovation, culture, and climate action into a single pipeline, aiming to unlock private investment at scale and deliver tangible benefits such as better jobs, higher skills, decent homes, stronger communities, and cleaner energy and air.

Housing Strategy

A new Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Housing Strategy for 2026-2031 was endorsed for publication. This strategy aims to address housing pressures by utilising devolved powers and funding, working collaboratively with partners on local housing plans. It sets out four clear priorities: accelerating the delivery of high-quality homes across all tenures, ensuring the right skills are in place to support delivery, improving the quality and standards of existing homes, and continuing action to tackle homelessness and rough sleeping. The strategy is informed by a strong evidence base and extensive engagement with local councils, housing providers, and other stakeholders.

Bus Franchising - Service Permits Consultation

An update was provided on the statutory consultation for the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority's proposed service permit scheme, a necessary component of the move towards a fully franchised, publicly controlled bus network. The consultation, which ran for four weeks, received nine formal responses from bus operators, neighbouring authorities, and a trade body. Feedback was considered, leading to some amendments in the final documentation, including adjustments to the application form, proposed fees, and timescales. An FAQ document will be produced to assist applicants.

Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP)

An update was provided on the development of the refreshed Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP). The plan, produced by the Liverpool Chamber of Commerce with joint ownership from the Combined Authority, aligns employer skills priorities with local economic plans to strengthen progression pathways, support growth sectors, and address skills gaps. The draft LSIP was submitted to Skills England for review, with final submission due in mid-May. Delegated authority was sought for the Chief Executive to agree the final version of the LSIP.

Five Year Climate Action Plan Mid-Term Review

A mid-term review of the Five-Year Climate Action Plan (2023-2028) was presented, assessing progress and reaffirming the commitment to reaching net zero by 2035. The review highlighted significant progress across various pillars, including housing retrofit, public sector decarbonisation, the publication of the Local Nature Recovery Strategy, advancements in bus franchising, and the development of the Local Transport Plan. The review also noted the accelerated net zero target of 2035, positioning climate action as both an environmental and economic priority.

Changes to Previously Agreed SIF Projects

Approval was sought for material changes to the previously agreed Strategic Investment Fund (SIF) funded Gather project, delivered by Form. This project supports the digital, creative, and technology sector. The proposal included a further one-year extension to the project, incorporating an additional £390,000 plus VAT of Local Growth Fund funding, enabling continued business support until March 2027. This extension aims to deliver 51 business support interventions to 35 businesses, supporting the creation of up to 10 new jobs.

Other Matters

The meeting also included mayoral announcements and updates, public question time, and the noting of minutes from various committee meetings. Several attendees were acknowledged for their contributions as they were standing down from their roles. The next annual meeting was scheduled for Friday, 12th June 2026.