The Cabinet considered the report of the Chief Executive which outlined the proposal to create a Combined Authority for the Liverpool City Region in order to improve governance in the sub-region and access national funding opportunities that would be devolved from central government.

Councillor P.Davies indicated that there was a risk that the Liverpool City Region would miss out on access to major funding opportunities and other development opportunities should the appropriate action not be taken to strengthen its existing governance arrangements.

A report will be prepared for a future Cabinet meeting that would outline in detail the proposals and a full assessment of relevant risks.

The Chief Executive indicated that all the major city regions were going ahead with model which he felt would benefit Wirral and that there were great advantages to these arrangements.

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet supports in principle the agreement by Liverpool City Region Council leaders and the Mayor of Liverpool to conduct a review and progress proposals to establish a Combined Authority across the sub-region, subject to further detailed discussions on the power and functions of a Combined Authority between constituent local authorities.