The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority met on Friday 12 June 2026, holding both an annual meeting and an ordinary business meeting. Key decisions included the approval of the Combined Authority Constitution and the Liverpool North Docks Mayoral Development Corporation consultation, alongside a review of the 2025-26 performance and the adoption of the 2026-27 Policy Framework.

Combined Authority Constitution

The Combined Authority's Constitution was updated to reflect new powers from the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act 2026 and to make minor amendments. The proposed changes were approved, and the revised Constitution was adopted.

Nominations to the Combined Authority and Appointments to Committees 2026-27

Following the annual meetings of constituent councils, nominations to the Combined Authority and appointments to various committees and boards for the 2026-27 municipal year were noted and approved. Delegations were granted to the Monitoring Officer and Mayor for the finalisation of certain appointments.

Nominations to Outside Bodies 2026-27

Nominations of elected members and officers to serve on external bodies for the 2026-27 municipal year were approved. The Transport Committee was delegated the responsibility for nominating representatives to specific transport bodies, and outstanding nominations were delegated to the Monitoring Officer and Mayor.

Mayor of the Liverpool City Region Announcements and Updates

Mayor Steve Rotheram provided updates on various regional initiatives. He highlighted the significant progress made in the last municipal year, including the launch of the Liverpool City Region Growth Plan and a £2 billion Investment Fund. He also detailed advancements in transport, such as the milestone of over one million journeys made using 'tap and go' ticketing and the unveiling of the new Mersey Ferry, the Royal Daffodil. Mayor Rotheram also touched upon the significant fall in deprivation in Liverpool and the ongoing efforts to reduce unemployment and improve qualifications across the region. He also mentioned personal engagements, including the unveiling of a memorial to the Heysel Stadium victims and visits to new infrastructure projects and businesses.

Public Question Time

Mr. Rawlinson asked a question regarding the Combined Authority's assurance processes for governance, risk management, and oversight of transport, major events, and public safety, specifically whether this assurance was based on independently verifiable evidence or reliance on information from constituent authorities. The response clarified that the Combined Authority's assurance is directed towards matters within its statutory remit, including the Mersey Tunnels, but does not extend to duplicating the statutory responsibilities of constituent local authorities for areas like traffic management and road closures. A formal written response was promised within 10 working days.

Combined Authority Annual Review 2025-26

The Combined Authority approved its Annual Review for the 2025-26 municipal year, highlighting progress against its four-year Corporate Plan, Innovating for Growth. The review detailed achievements across the five priority areas: Economy, People, Place, Transport, and Digital Infrastructure. Key highlights included the launch of the £1.5 billion Integrated Settlement, a £700 million fund for social and affordable housing, and significant investments in adult skills and employment support. The review also emphasised the importance of collaboration and the positive impact of devolution in shaping the region's future.

Q4 2025-26 Performance Reporting on the Combined Authority Corporate Plan

The Combined Authority noted the Q4 2025-26 performance report, which indicated strong progress against the 2024-28 Corporate Plan. Of the 49 commitments with activity during the quarter, 86% were rated as green, meaning they were on track for successful delivery or had been completed. The report detailed achievements across the five priority areas, including securing funding for lab capacity at Ultraviolet 2 in Daresbury, supporting over 1,000 businesses through the Growth Hub, launching the final Local Nature Recovery Strategy, awarding the first bus franchising contracts, and agreeing a new business plan for LCR Connect. Areas requiring further attention were also identified.

Strategic Investment Fund Quarterly Report

The Combined Authority received an update on the Strategic Investment Fund (SIF) for Q4 2025-26 and approved changes to the Liverpool City Region Ventures (LYVA Labs) project. This included merging Phase 1 and Phase 2 funds to create greater flexibility, allowing for potential investments up to £500,000 in exceptional circumstances, and extending the project completion date for Phase 1 to December 2027. Immaterial and intermediate changes to other SIF projects were also noted.

Halsnead Symmetry Park Change Control

Approval was granted for a material change to the Halsnead Symmetry Park project. This change will extend the end date of the Grant Funding Agreement and significantly increase the project's outputs, developing 86,400 sq m of employment space and supporting over 1,100 jobs, all while maintaining the original grant value of £3.79 million. Overage arrangements were also revised to ensure the Combined Authority receives a return on investment if the development's value increases significantly.

Liverpool North Docks Mayoral Development Corporation Consultation

The Combined Authority approved the principle of creating a Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) for Liverpool North Docks and agreed to proceed with a consultation on this proposal. The consultation will cover the name of the MDC and Mayoral Development Area, the proposed boundary, and the powers it would wield, including land assembly, planning functions, and infrastructure delivery. The Mayor will make the final decision on commencing the consultation.

Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Concession Contract Award

The Combined Authority noted the procurement process for the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Concession Contract and delegated authority to the Executive Director – Place to approve the award of the contract to the successful supplier. This initiative, supported by £9.6 million in government funding, aims to provide accessible and affordable electric vehicle charging infrastructure across the region, particularly for residents without off-street parking, contributing to net zero ambitions and improved air quality.

Combined Authority Policy Framework 2026-27

The Combined Authority noted the annual update on its Policy Framework for 2026-27. The report summarised key policies and strategies approved in the 2025-26 municipal year, including the Liverpool City Region Growth Plan, the Housing Strategy 2026-31, and the Local Transport Plan 2026-40. It also identified policy documents scheduled for approval or review in the upcoming municipal year, such as the Homelessness Task Force Commissioning Plan and the Equality Strategy.