Liverpool city region Mayor Steve Rotheram takes control of £1.5bn devolution budget in a new deal that gives him more freedom from Whitehall mandarins when it comes to major spending decisions. Tony McDonough reports
Steve Rotheram has entreated a “new chapter” in the devolution of Liverpool city region after taking control of a £1.5bn pot of cash.
In 2025 Mayor Rotheram agreed a new Integrated Settlement with the Government that loosens Whitehall control over major spending decisions across Liverpool, Wirral, Sefton, Knowsley, St Helens and Halton.
This came into effect on April 1 and will replace more than 20 funding streams with a single multi-year package, enabling the Combined Authority and its local authorities to plan more effectively over a longer period.
The £1.5bn package breaks down into £417m ‘revenue’ funding – for day-to-day spending over three years – and £1.1bn ‘capital’ funding for big investments and major projects over four years.
Liverpool City Region Combined Authority chief executive, Katherine Fairclough, said: “This long-term Integrated Settlement marks a new chapter for our city region — a chance to think beyond the horizon and shape the future for generations to come.
“With certainty over funding, we can back bold ideas, unlock new opportunities, and work with our local councils to transform our communities at scale.
“This gives us the power to create the high‑skilled jobs of tomorrow, build more much-needed homes, and accelerate our journey towards a cleaner, fairer, more prosperous region.
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“The Integrated Settlement will give greater local control and a degree of increased flexibility across six key areas – our economy, housing, skills, transport, the environment, and health, wellbeing and public service reform.”
She added it provides greater stability over funding too, putting the Combined Authority on a better footing to address longer-term opportunities and complex challenges and make stronger strategic decisions about how it invests in the services, projects and schemes.