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It aims to increase the region’s economic output by better strategic planning and working together to increase productivity.
The Liverpool city region prospectus, which has been compiled by the Merseyside Policy Unit, identifies a number of challenges the area needs to meet.
Last night, leaders from across the region said better working across the local authorities in the area was crucial to narrow the gap with the rest of the country.
Wirral council leader Steve Foulkes said that, by working together, major projects could be delivered and fall-outs like the one that contributed to the scrapping of Merseytram could be avoided.
He said the region would be “unstoppable” if the local authorities collaborated more.
The report identifies a number of problems currently afflicting the Liverpool city region.
Its relative economic position is still low, and projected future growth is not enough to close the productivity gap with average cities in the UK, Europe, USA, Asia and China. Perceptions of the region nationally are also an issue as “Liverpool city region is still seen as a region that has been defined by its problems rather than its successes”.
The skill profile of the region is also poor and self-employment rates are lower than elsewhere – less than half that of the UK average.
Poor health and low quality housing stock are also identified as key issues for the region.
In order to meet these challenges, the region must “raise its game – accelerating the performance of the city region and increasing its competitiveness and productivity is key”.
It is hoped that the new cabinet will help the local councils co-ordinate their efforts to improve the economy.
The current chairman of the cabinet is Knowsley Council leader Ron Round; a leader for the cabinet will be chosen and will hold the position for two years.
Last night, Liverpool Council leader Warren Bradley said setting up the cabinet and getting it running was important to show the Government the region meant business.
He said the only contentious issue there had been among the leaders was what to call the region.
“For me, calling it the Liverpool city region was a no-brainer, because Liverpool is a magnet and known everywhere, whereas Merseyside is not in the same way.”
He said after that it had been important to be honest about the challenges facing the area.
“The first thing was to admit that there is a gap; yes, the Liverpool economy is growing faster than other core cities, but we were miles behind.
Cllr Foulkes said there was no indication from government currently that devolution of power was on its way.
“It’s very much a suck it and see how and when powers are devolved.”
A Communities and Local Government spokesperson said: “We are working closely with Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens and Wirral councils to agree a multi-area agreement (MAA). “Negotiations, which include discussion of the partnership’s economic priorities and its sub-regional governance arrangements, are positive and progressing well.
“MAAs are a long-term commitment, and signing-off an agreement is just the beginning of the process of improving outcomes for local citizens.”
Responsibilities of the six councils
LIVERPOOL – Economy and Europe
WIRRAL – Environmental sustainability
SEFTON – Safer, healthier communities
HALTON – transport
KNOWSLEY – Skills and employment
ST HELENS – housing and spatial planning
Source:
Liverpool Daily Post
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