The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority meeting, held on Friday, 25 September 2026, focused on financial performance, strategic investment, and major development projects. Key decisions included the approval of budget revisions, the progression of the Liverpool North Docks Mayoral Development Corporation, and the acceptance of new funding for housing retrofit initiatives.

Financial Performance and Budget Revisions

The Combined Authority approved budget revisions for the first quarter of the 2026/27 financial year. These revisions reflect additional resources received since the initial budget was set and align with new government and Combined Authority priorities. The report highlighted projected underspends across several service areas, with a significant portion of the forecast underspend being re-allocated to the Investment and Development Fund to support strategic initiatives and respond to emerging organisational requirements. Proposed revenue budget amendments totalling £10.8 million were approved, funded by a release from reserves. Capital budget revisions also saw expenditure reprofiled between financial years, with the majority of the capital programme funded through government grants. An Investment and Development Earmarked Reserve was established, funded by an allocation from the forecast revenue underspend.

Liverpool North Docks Mayoral Development Corporation

The Authority formally considered and approved proposals for the Liverpool North Docks Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC). This decision follows a consultation that attracted significant interest and strong support, with over 530 responses received. The MDC aims to accelerate the delivery of homes, regeneration, and investment across 174 hectares of brownfield land, with the potential to unlock 5 million square feet of new commercial space and 17,700 new homes. The Authority endorsed the approach to developing a Mayoral Development Zone (MDZ) concept as a strategic regeneration model for the entire Liverpool City Region.

Housing Retrofit Funding

The Combined Authority accepted new housing retrofit funding from the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), amounting to at least £24 million. This funding will support registered providers in improving the energy efficiency of their housing stock and will also test new plug-in solar panel technology. The report highlighted the success of the existing housing retrofit programme, which has already supported around 12,000 households. Delegated authority was granted to officers to enter into contracts to deliver this work, aiming to further support residents facing the cost of living crisis by addressing fuel poverty.

Strategic Investment Fund Quarterly Report

The Authority noted the update on the performance of the Liverpool City Region Strategic Investment Fund (SIF) for the first quarter of 2026-27. Several change control requests for SIF projects were approved, including adjustments to completion dates and funding for projects such as Merseytravel's Mersey Tunnels Tolls Technology Refresh and Stanley Dock Rail Access, as well as Sefton Council's Southport Eastern Access and Maritime Corridor Phase 2 projects. These changes aim to ensure project objectives are met and benefits are realised, with some adjustments allowing for the incorporation of additional outputs or the reallocation of funding to take advantage of new opportunities.

Mersey Tunnels Byelaw Consultation

The Authority approved the revised draft Mersey Tunnels Byelaws and agreed to proceed with a formal public consultation. The current byelaws, dating back to 2003, require updating to reflect significant changes in vehicle technology, traffic management, safety standards, and operational practices. The proposed amendments aim to ensure the rules governing the tunnels remain up-to-date, proportionate, and fit for purpose, strengthening the ability to manage the tunnels safely and efficiently. Following the public consultation, the results will be brought back to the Combined Authority for final approval before submission to the Secretary of State for Transport.

Q1 2026-27 Performance Reporting on the Combined Authority Corporate Plan

The Committee received a report summarising progress against the 2024-28 Corporate Plan priorities during the first quarter of 2026/27. The report indicated strong performance, with 95% of commitments on track or completed. Key achievements were highlighted across the Economy, People, Place, Transport, and Digital Infrastructure themes. The report also presented key findings from a Mid-Term Review of the Corporate Plan, which concluded that while the external operating environment has evolved, the plan's commitments remain relevant and sound. The review emphasised the need for the Combined Authority to remain agile and responsive to changing responsibilities and opportunities.

Minutes of Committees

The minutes of the LCR Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 1 July 2026, the LCR Transport Committee held on 16 July 2026, and the LCR Audit and Governance Committee held on 23 July 2026 were noted.