This week in Liverpool City Region Combined Authority:

Liverpool North Docks Mayoral Development Corporation: A Bold Plan for Regeneration or a Risk to Local Control?

The Liverpool City Region Overview and Scrutiny Committee met this week to scrutinise plans for the Liverpool North Docks Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC). This ambitious proposal aims to accelerate the delivery of 17,000 new homes and half a million square feet of commercial space over the next 15 years. However, the plans have sparked debate about transparency, community engagement, and the potential impact on local planning powers.

Mayor Steve Rotheram is seeking approval from the Secretary of State to establish the MDC, which would grant it significant powers, including land assembly and compulsory purchase. While 85% of respondents to a recent consultation supported the MDC's establishment, concerns were raised by councillors about sustainability, the definition of good developers, and the potential for the MDC to override local planning decisions.

Councillor Dr. John Pugh questioned the implications of new planning powers for mayors, asking if they could be used to reverse local council decisions. Mayor Rotheram assured the committee that the intention is not to take powers away from local authorities but to streamline the planning process. He stated, We don't take powers away from our local authorities. So this is a substitution of the call-in process, what's being proposed in the legislation.

However, Councillor Jane Corbett voiced concerns about the consultation process itself, noting that the report lacked detail on the demographics of respondents and the specific concerns raised. She stressed the importance of ensuring that good developers and good investors are part of the framework, warning that the project could go so well and it could go so badly.

The committee ultimately agreed to note the report and the consultation findings, but the debate highlights the delicate balance between driving large-scale regeneration and ensuring local democratic control and community benefit.

Read the details of the LCR Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting

Combined Authority Performance: Progress and Persistent Challenges

The Liverpool City Region Overview and Scrutiny Committee also reviewed the Combined Authority's performance for the first quarter of 2026-27. While 95% of planned activities are on track, two key commitments were flagged as amber, indicating areas needing urgent attention.

Accessible Rail Platforms and LCR Connect Face Delays

The ambition to operate fully accessible rail platforms and stations by 2030 is facing challenges, as is the goal to maximise the benefits of the LCR Connect broadband network. These are critical for ensuring equitable access to transport and digital services for all residents, particularly those with disabilities or living in areas with poor connectivity.

Councillor Helen Cameron raised concerns about the accessibility and cost of electric vehicle charging points, a separate but related issue highlighting the need for inclusive infrastructure development. The committee also discussed the potential for double-counting economic growth from businesses scaling up and the governance of new financial vehicles.

Social Value: A Growing Commitment with Room for Improvement

The Social Value Annual Report 2026 showcased the Combined Authority's commitment to creating social, economic, and environmental benefits. Achievements include increased employee volunteering, successful traineeship programmes, and the redistribution of digital devices. However, the report also acknowledged the ongoing challenge of measuring social value effectively and ensuring it is embedded across all decision-making processes.

Councillor Jane Corbett highlighted the need to integrate social value reporting more closely with other key initiatives, such as the Marmot task and finish group and the Equality Act 2010, to ensure a holistic approach to improving residents' well-being.

Read the Q1 2026-27 Performance Report Read the Social Value Annual Report 2026

Mersey Tunnels Byelaws Under Review: Modernising Rules for Safety and Efficiency

Proposed amendments to the Mersey Tunnels Byelaws (2003) were presented to the committee. The review aims to update the byelaws to reflect changes in vehicle technology, user behaviour, and safety standards. Key proposed changes include reducing speed limits on tunnel approaches, updating dangerous goods provisions to align with international regulations, and introducing new byelaws for vehicle recovery and disposal.

While the intention is to enhance safety and efficiency, concerns were raised about the legibility of the consultation documents and the potential impact of new lighting technologies on drivers. The committee was assured that the byelaws would be made publicly accessible online and in hard copy.

Read about the Mersey Tunnels Byelaw Consultation

Other Matters

Mayor's Verbal Update: Devolution and Public Transport Transformation

Mayor Steve Rotheram provided a comprehensive verbal update, highlighting the economic growth of the Liverpool City Region and the significant progress in devolution. He detailed proposed new powers for mayors, including an overnight visitor levy and greater retention of business rates. The Mayor also celebrated the return of bus services in St. Helens to public control, marking a significant step towards an integrated public transport system.

Hear Mayor Rotheram's update

Work Programme for 2026-27: Shaping Future Scrutiny

The committee discussed its draft work programme for the upcoming year, with suggestions including a focus on climate action, the impact of data centres, and a review of tidal energy for the Mersey. Councillor Julie Fadden requested a report on the state of homelessness across the city region, emphasizing the need for a coordinated approach to this pressing issue.

See the draft work programme

This week in Liverpool City Region Combined Authority:

Top Official Appointed as Returning Officer for Mayoral Elections

The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority's Appointments and Disciplinary Committee met on Friday 28 August 2026 to approve key appointments that will shape the future governance and electoral processes of the region. The most significant decision was the commencement of recruitment for a new Director of Legal and Governance, a role that will also serve as the statutory Monitoring Officer. Additionally, the committee confirmed the appointment of the Combined Authority's Chief Executive as the Returning Officer for all future Mayoral Elections.

Recruiting a New Director of Legal and Governance

The committee gave the green light to begin the search for a new Director – Legal and Governance. This position is critical as the postholder will fulfil the vital statutory functions of the Combined Authority's Monitoring Officer, a role mandated by the Local Government and Housing Act 1989. The successful candidate will also act as Secretary to Merseytravel and Company Secretary for both the Combined Authority and Merseytravel Companies.

The current Monitoring Officer, Louise Outram, is set to retire at the end of the year, with a period of leave commencing in November. The expanded role of Director of Legal and Governance will encompass strategic governance and assurance, aligning with the evolving responsibilities emerging from the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026. Crucially, this role will also involve responsibilities related to Mayoral elections, requiring significant electoral experience.

The committee approved the draft role description and person specification for the position. To ensure a diverse pool of candidates, the recruitment process will adhere to the Combined Authority's HR policies, including the application of the Rooney Rule¹, which guarantees that at least one woman and one person from an underrepresented minority are considered for the shortlist. Authority has been delegated to the Chief Executive, Katherine Fairclough, to manage the shortlisting, interviews, and to make recommendations for appointment, with the final decision resting with the Combined Authority. A specialist recruitment agency will be engaged to support this important search.

Read the details of the LCR Appointments and Disciplinary Committee meeting

Chief Executive to Oversee Mayoral Elections

Katherine Fairclough, the Combined Authority's Chief Executive, has been formally appointed as the Combined Authority Returning Officer (CARO) for all future Mayoral Elections. This is a statutory requirement under The Combined Authorities (Mayoral Elections) Order 2017. The CARO holds ultimate responsibility for the election of the Mayor and coordinates the regional result.

Ms. Fairclough previously served successfully in this capacity for the 2024 Mayoral Election and will continue to do so for future elections. Her role description will be updated to reflect these duties. The CARO will appoint a Deputy CARO and delegate responsibilities to constituent councils and their officers to ensure the smooth operational delivery of the election.

The remuneration for the CARO role will be a single payment made after each election, determined by the Treasurer and Monitoring Officer based on factors such as electorate size and election complexity. This payment will not be part of the Chief Executive's core salary. The Combined Authority is required to budget for election costs, including the CARO's expenses. This appointment ensures continuity and experienced leadership in the crucial process of electing the region's Mayor.

Read the details of the LCR Appointments and Disciplinary Committee meeting

Upcoming Meetings:

• LCR Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Wednesday 09 September 2026 - To discuss various oversight and scrutiny matters. Link to meeting

This week in Liverpool City Region Combined Authority:

Audit and Governance Committee Reviews Financial Health and Internal Controls

The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority's Audit and Governance Committee convened on Thursday, 23 July 2026, to scrutinise the organisation's financial health, risk management, and internal control systems. The committee reviewed the Head of Internal Audit's annual report, which concluded that both the Combined Authority and Merseytravel maintain adequate governance, risk management, and internal control systems, with a good capacity for improvement.

Key Findings and Concerns

Laura Williams, Head of Internal Audit and Risk, presented her annual report, which was based on internal audit work and other sources of assurance. While the overall conclusion was positive, the committee delved into specific areas of concern.

• Littlewoods Refurbishment Enabling Works Project: Councillor Jane Corbett raised questions about the ten high-level recommendations for this project. Ms. Williams explained that progress is being made, with some recommendations already closed, and that the committee would be updated on the status of the remaining three high-priority recommendations.
• Suspicious Activity Report (T-Flow System): A report to the Serious Crime Agency regarding suspected money laundering related to the T-Flow system, which manages preferential pricing for tunnel access, was discussed. Ms. Williams confirmed that internal audit work is underway to examine fraud controls and awareness in this area, with findings expected at the next meeting. This is a critical area to monitor, as any compromise of such systems could impact public funds and trust.
• Mayor's Office Expenses: Concerns were raised about overdue and deferred recommendations concerning the Mayor's Office expenses, declarations of interest, gifts, and hospitality. Ms. Williams expressed confidence that this recommendation is close to being closed following recent positive discussions.

The committee also received updates on risk management, noting that the corporate risk position remained stable with positive progress in resilience, climate planning, transport reform, and economic development. However, continued attention is required for recruitment capacity within the transport programme.

Read the full details of the LCR Audit & Governance Committee meeting

External Audit of 2025/26 Accounts

Katie Kingston, Senior Manager from Forvis Mazars LLP, provided an update on the external audit of the 2025/26 Statement of Accounts. The audit strategy identified significant risks, including management override of controls, valuation of property, plant and equipment, valuation of the defined benefit pension scheme, and long-term debtors.

• Pension Scheme Valuation: Councillor Jane Corbett inquired about the higher risk associated with the valuation of the local government pension scheme, particularly given the re-eligibility of councillors to join. Ms. Kingston confirmed this is a complex area and a focus for the audit, noting a significant transfer of employees from Merseytravel to the combined authority's pension scheme. Louise Outram, Monitoring Officer, clarified that councillors' eligibility to join the pension fund would be reported in the following year due to a time lag.
• Materiality Thresholds: The audit team outlined the basis for materiality, setting it at £10.5 million for the Combined Authority and £6.9 million for Merseytravel. These figures are based on 2% of gross revenue expenditure, a threshold that reflects the quality of the accounts produced.

The committee noted the report, with the audit work expected to be completed ahead of the statutory deadline for publishing audited accounts.

Read the External Audit Update

Information Governance and Data Protection

Andy Henderson, Senior Information Management Officer, presented the annual information governance update. The report highlighted a 20% increase in Freedom of Information (FOI) and Environmental Information Regulation (EIR) requests in 2025/26, with all responded to within the statutory deadline. Common request topics included bus franchising and Merseyrail.

• Data Breach: A single data breach was reported to the Information Commissioner's Office concerning a concessionary travel pass application. The breach was deemed human error, and the Commissioner was satisfied with the actions taken. This highlights the importance of robust data handling procedures to protect sensitive personal information, especially for vulnerable individuals.
• Code of Conduct: There were no complaints lodged regarding breaches of the Member Code of Conduct in 2025/26, indicating a strong adherence to ethical standards.

The committee noted the report, acknowledging the team's performance in meeting deadlines and the ongoing efforts to manage anticipated increases in requests due to devolution.

Read the Information Governance Update

This week in Liverpool City Region Combined Authority:

Mersey Rail Set to Return to Public Ownership in Landmark Decision

In a move set to reshape public transport for generations, the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority has voted to bring Mersey Rail back into public ownership when its current concession agreement ends in July 2028. This historic decision, unanimously supported, means all revenue generated by the rail network will be reinvested directly into its services and infrastructure, rather than profiting private shareholders.

Mayor Steve Rotheram declared, Mersey Rail is coming home, emphasizing that local control will lead to better integration with other transport modes, more frequent services, and decisions made for the benefit of passengers and the region. Councillor Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council, highlighted how public control of buses is already making a difference, and bringing trains back into public ownership will further enhance services. Councillor Angela Ball, Leader of Halton Council, expressed delight, noting plans for the Mersey Rail network to extend into Daresbury.

This decision is a significant step towards a fully integrated transport system that is accountable to the people it serves. It promises to deliver a more reliable, affordable, and passenger-focused railway for everyone in the Liverpool City Region.

Read the full details of the Mersey Rail decision

Tackling Homelessness: New Task Force to Drive Region-Wide Strategy

A dedicated Homelessness Task Force is being established to develop and implement a comprehensive, region-wide strategy for tackling homelessness and rough sleeping. This initiative is bolstered by an £8.4 million government grant over three years, signalling a significant commitment to addressing this critical issue.

The Task Force will focus on shifting from a crisis response to a proactive, prevention-led approach, working closely with local councils, community partners, and crucially, individuals with lived experience of homelessness. Councillor Graham Morgan, Leader of Knowsley Council and Cabinet Member for Housing and Regeneration, stated that this is a significant step towards delivering on the Mayor's manifesto commitment. The funding will support homelessness prevention, supported housing, ex-offender support, and assertive outreach, aiming to provide stable and secure homes for those most in need.

Learn more about the Homelessness Task Force

£2 Bus Fare Cap Extended: Vital Support for Residents

The popular £2 bus fare cap scheme has been extended until the autumn, providing continued vital support for residents across the city region. This decision was strongly supported by Councillor Paula Basnett, Leader of Wirral Council, who highlighted its importance, particularly during the summer holidays.

This extension is a crucial measure to help families manage the cost of living, ensuring that essential bus travel remains affordable. It complements the broader efforts to create a more integrated and accessible public transport network, making it easier and cheaper for people to get to work, education, and essential services.

See the budget revisions including the bus fare cap extension

Other Matters

Bus Franchising Scheme Varied for Greater Flexibility

The Combined Authority has approved a variation to the Liverpool City Region Franchising Scheme for Buses 2026. This change, enabled by recent legislation, simplifies the process for making operational changes to local bus services, allowing for greater flexibility as the network evolves. Authority has also been delegated to Merseytravel to approve changes to franchised bus contracts, ensuring day-to-day decisions can be made efficiently while maintaining oversight of significant changes.

Read about the variation to the bus franchising scheme

Local Area Retrofit Accelerator Strategy Adopted to Improve Home Energy Efficiency

The Local Area Retrofit Accelerator (LARA) Strategy has been adopted, aiming to boost energy efficiency measures in homes across the city region. This strategy, developed with extensive stakeholder input, seeks to reduce fuel poverty, create green jobs, and contribute to net-zero ambitions. Councillor Graham Morgan noted that over 12,000 households have already benefited from improved energy efficiency, leading to significant savings.

See the adopted LARA Strategy

Liverpool City Region to Seek Marmot City Region Designation

The Combined Authority will pursue designation as a Marmot City Region, adopting the Marmot Principles to embed health equity across its functions. This approach, championed by Mayor Steve Rotheram, aims to tackle the root causes of health inequalities by focusing on wider determinants such as housing, transport, employment, and the environment. Councillor Liam Robinson expressed enthusiasm for this initiative, noting it would be the first of its kind in the country.

Learn more about the Marmot City Region proposal

Significant Investment in Metro Network and Active Travel

Over £11.98 million from Combined Authority reserves will accelerate transport infrastructure improvements between Liverpool Lime Street and Low Hill. This, alongside public realm regeneration works, aims to enhance sustainable transport links. Additionally, £308 million has been allocated for highway maintenance across the six local authorities, £25 million for Mersey Tunnels maintenance, and £5 million for bus stop upgrades. A £26 million programme for integrated estate improvements across the Metro Network was also approved, alongside £11 million in TCR capital funding for Liverpool City Council's active travel schemes.

Details on Metro Network improvements and active travel funding

Office for Public Service Innovation (OPSI) Progress Endorsed

Plans for the next stage of delivery for the Office for Public Service Innovation (OPSI) have been endorsed, with a £2 million budget allocation from reserves. OPSI aims to improve public services through innovation and data-driven solutions, with initial projects focusing on children's services and support for young people at risk of becoming NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training).

Read the OPSI progress update

Adult Skills Fund Commissioning Plan Approved

A new Adult Skills Fund Commissioning Plan for 2027-2032 has been approved, outlining the approach to grant funding and procured contracts for adult skills provision. Councillor Marion Atkinson emphasised that this plan builds on previous experience and aligns with key local strategies to improve skills and employment opportunities, focusing on sectors like construction and health and social care.

See the Adult Skills Fund Commissioning Plan

Sir George Howarth Remembered

The meeting began with a moment of reflection and a minute's silence in memory of Sir George Howarth, former MP for Knowsley North. Mayor Steve Rotheram and Councillor Graham Morgan paid tribute to Sir George's lifelong commitment to public service and his advocacy for working people.

Andy Burnham's Appointment as Prime Minister Acknowledged

Mayor Steve Rotheram acknowledged the significant political development of Andy Burnham becoming Prime Minister, highlighting it as a testament to the progress of devolution and a reminder of leadership talent beyond Westminster.

Hillsborough Law Progress Noted

The Mayor also spoke about the progress of the Hillsborough Law, describing it as an extraordinary legacy that will be felt for generations and commending the perseverance of the families and campaigners.

Tribute to Councillor Mike Wharton

Councillor Mike Wharton was thanked for his service as the former Leader of Halton Council and Deputy Mayor of the Liverpool City Region.

Open Golf Championship Highlighted

The upcoming Open Golf Championship at the Royal Liverpool Golf Club was highlighted as a major event for the Liverpool City Region, expected to attract significant numbers and provide a boost to the local economy.

Public Question on Construction Industry Addressed

Mr. Woods raised questions regarding the construction industry, focusing on fair employment practices and mental well-being support. The Combined Authority detailed its Fair Employment Charter and ongoing initiatives. A formal written response will be provided.

Appointments to Committees and Cabinet Portfolios

Following Councillor Mike Wharton's departure, Councillor Angela Ball was appointed as Halton Council's representative, and Councillor Graham Morgan was appointed Deputy Mayor of the Combined Authority. Councillor Paul Abbasnik was appointed to the cabinet portfolio for Economic Growth and Regeneration and as a substitute member to the LCR Audit and Governance Committee.

Audit and Governance Committee Effectiveness Review Confirmed

The Audit and Governance Committee's review confirmed its effective discharge of responsibilities and identified areas for further improvement.

Changes to Previously Agreed SIF Projects

Approval was given to write off two defaulted Flexible Growth Fund loans and to make changes to Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council's Huyton Active Travel Corridor project, including increased funding.