A new combined authority for Liverpool City Region has been given the green light by Government, and could come into effect 1 April.

The new authority will lead work on economic development, transport, housing and employment and skills in the region, and will be made up of six councils.

Mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson, said: ‘Working together in this way will put us in a much stronger position when negotiating with government and enable us to make key strategic decisions supporting jobs, growth and regeneration in Liverpool and the whole City Region.’

All six councils will need to confirm their support for the new authority, with a report going before Liverpool’s cabinet on 28 February and 5 March.

The Liverpool City Region includes Liverpool, Halton, Knowsley, St Helen’s, Sefton and Wirral councils.