• Landmark devolution legislation receives Royal Assent
• Major step forward for local powers in the Liverpool City Region
• Confirms the Combined Authority as the region’s strategic leader
• Enhances regional coordination of growth, infrastructure, skills and regeneration across six local authorities

The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority today welcomed a major step forward for devolution after a new law was passed giving more power to local areas.

The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act received Royal Assent this week, giving the Combined Authority greater control over funding, a clearer route to seek new powers and stronger frameworks to improve transparency, accountability and community involvement.

The Act gives Liverpool City Region greater control over its finances with a new Integrated Settlement introduced on April 1 combining multiple Government funding streams into a single multi-year budget.

The move gives local leaders more control over planning and investment across transport, housing, skills, regeneration, net zero and inclusive growth.

The Act also introduces a new ‘right to request’, making it simpler for combined authorities to seek additional devolved powers such introducing an overnight visitor levy.

Alongside new powers, the Act sets clearer expectations for how the Combined Authority, local councils and public sector partners work together to deliver across the City Region.

It also strengthens transparency, accountability and community involvement, with the aim of supporting stronger leadership, bringing decisions closer to local people and making public investment more effective.

Katherine Fairclough, Chief Executive of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, said:

“This legislation gives the Liverpool City Region more clarity, stability and flexibility.

“Having greater control over funding will help us plan for the long term and make better, more joined-up decisions about how we invest locally.

“The new right to request also gives us a clear route to take on more powers in future where there is a strong case. This will help us work with our six local authorities and partners to deliver real long-term benefits for residents and businesses.”

The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority will now work with government, its constituent councils and regional partners to implement the Act and ensure that the new powers and funding arrangements deliver tangible benefits across the City Region in the years ahead.