#LCRAnnualReview | We’re determined to make Liverpool City Region the best place to grow up, grow a family and grow a business – and that means investing in projects that make a real difference to communities, the economy and jobs. In Knowsley, we backed the creation of the Shakespeare North Playhouse with £11m - along with a further £8m to improve public transport in Prescot. Opened in July 2022, the venue is boosting the economy by millions of pounds each year, while supporting jobs and becoming a cornerstone of the city region’s visitor economy. A new independent report published in March shows the Shakespeare North Playhouse is already making a transformative contribution to the Liverpool City Region’s economy, culture and international profile. It now attracts an average of around 100,000 visitors a year, generating £12.4m in annual visitor expenditure across the City Region. This includes both onsite and offsite spending, helping to sustain local businesses and boost the wider visitor economy. The evaluation also revealed the venue had delivered 70 full-time equivalent (FTE) direct jobs - exceeding the original target of 39 – and a further 60 off-site jobs supported across the city region through visitor spending. #DevolutionDelivers

#LCRAnnualReview | Combined Authority Chief Executive Katherine Fairclough has hailed this year’s Annual Review as an ‘opportunity to opportunity to celebrate and reflect on the progress we have made across the Liverpool City Region over the past year as we continue to deliver for the 1.6 million people who live and work here’. From delivering a 10-year masterplan to grow the economy, to launching a £2bn LCR Investment Fund, building a new Mersey Ferry and supporting 36,000 learners, the last 12 months has been a landmark year of delivery and evolution. Introducing the Review, Katherine says: ‘Over the past year, I have had the privilege of seeing first-hand the impact of this work. ‘From conversations with our equality panels and young people helping to shape our future priorities, to collaboration with businesses, academics and partners driving innovation and growth, it is clear that our greatest strength lies in working together. ‘I have also been proud to see the continued progress we are making in improving connectivity - through transport, digital infrastructure and inclusion, and new ways of bringing people and opportunities closer together. ‘While this report highlights many of the achievements we have delivered together, it also reflects our ongoing commitment to deliver for the people we serve and to face challenges together. ‘There is much more to do, with new powers and funding arrangements to help us do it, but I am proud of what we have achieved and confident in what we can continue to deliver together - creating a fairer, stronger and more vibrant City Region where no one is left behind.’ You can read more about the Annual Review here: liverpoolcityregion-ca.gov.u… #DevolutionDelivers

Somewhere over the rainbox... 🌈 📍Britannia Inn, Otterspool, Liverpool 📸 Andy Campbell #BeautifulLCR

#LCRAnnualReview | Today we published our Annual Review, showcasing a landmark year of delivery and evolution at the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority. Introducing the Review, Mayor Steve Rotheram says: ‘We have continued to turn the promise of devolution into real progress for the 1.6 million people who live and work here - taking greater control over the decisions that shape our economy, our communities and our future. ‘We have focused on the priorities that matter most to residents: improving public transport, investing in skills and education, supporting businesses to grow, tackling inequality, and creating the homes and opportunities our communities need to thrive. ‘This annual review highlights the scale of that work and the impact it is already having across our region. From securing £1.6bn to transform our transport network, to launching a new £2bn Investment Fund to drive innovation and job creation, we are building the foundations for long-term inclusive growth. ‘There is still much more to do, but this past year has shown what is possible when decisions are made closer to the people they affect. Devolution is giving our region the tools, confidence and momentum to shape our own future. Together, we are building a Liverpool City Region that is the best place to grow up, grow a family and grow a business.’ You can read the 2025/26 Annual Review in full here 👉 ow.ly/F8Pq50ZblcV #DevolutionDelivers

🏆 Give drink driving the red card 🚫⚽ With the World Cup bringing fans together, Liverpool City Council is urging people to think ahead and avoid driving if they plan to drink. In 2024, more than 1,600 people were arrested in Liverpool for drink or drug driving, and 36 collisions were linked to impairment - more than half involving alcohol. So, if you're going out to watch a match, plan ahead if you’re drinking. Take a bus, train or taxi – and look out for your mates. #EnjoyMoreDrinkLess Read more 👇 ow.ly/liwv50Zb6Te

#LCRAnnualReview | We’re determined to invest in projects that will grow the economy, create well-paid jobs and make the Liverpool City Region the best place to grown up, grow a family and grow a business – where no-one is left behind. In Halton, we’re backing a new office and lab development that will attract high-value science and technology businesses and support around 250 jobs. With millions of pounds of Innovation Zone funding, construction work is set to start on two buildings that make up Sci-Tech Daresbury’s Violet Phase 2. The scheme builds on the success of the Combined Authority-backed Phase 1 which was completed in 2022 and is now fully occupied with a mixture of existing tenants scaling up, new arrivals to the site and international firms establishing a UK base. Read more here: liverpoolcityregion-ca.gov.u… #DevolutionDelivers

#LCRAnnualReview | It’s been a landmark year of delivery and evolution at the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority. We’ve gained new devolution powers and a £1.5bn multi-year Integrated Settlement giving local leaders greater control over how funds are invested in transport, housing, skills, regeneration, net zero and inclusive growth. We published a new 10-year Liverpool City Region Growth Plan to boost the £43.3bn local economy by £10bn over the next decade. And we launched a new £2bn investment fund to accelerate regeneration, while securing £700m to support new social and affordable housing and £1.6bn to transform the city region’s transport network. Tap and Go was introduced on Merseyrail, around 36,000 learners were supported by our £79m Adult Skills Fund and the first new Mersey Ferry in 60 years took to the water. There’s too much to mention here, but this video showcases some of our key achievements in 2025/26 👇 #DevolutionDelivers

#LCRAnnualReview | Today we published our Annual Review, showcasing a landmark year of delivery and evolution at the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority. Introducing the Review, Mayor Steve Rotheram says: ‘We have continued to turn the promise of devolution into real progress for the 1.6 million people who live and work here - taking greater control over the decisions that shape our economy, our communities and our future. ‘We have focused on the priorities that matter most to residents: improving public transport, investing in skills and education, supporting businesses to grow, tackling inequality, and creating the homes and opportunities our communities need to thrive. ‘This annual review highlights the scale of that work and the impact it is already having across our region. From securing £1.6bn to transform our transport network, to launching a new £2bn Investment Fund to drive innovation and job creation, we are building the foundations for long-term inclusive growth. ‘There is still much more to do, but this past year has shown what is possible when decisions are made closer to the people they affect. Devolution is giving our region the tools, confidence and momentum to shape our own future. Together, we are building a Liverpool City Region that is the best place to grow up, grow a family and grow a business.’ You can read the 2025/26 Annual Review in full here 👉 ow.ly/Arj050Zb5JF #DevolutionDelivers

The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority’s 2026 Annual Meeting will start at 1pm this afternoon. You can watch it live here: bit.ly/4uxdWmi

#LCRCultureAwards 🏆 We are thrilled to announce @hopestreethtl will be sponsoring our Excellence in Film & TV Award at the 2026 LCR Culture & Creativity Awards. The team at Hope Street Hotel shared the following: "Hope Street Hotel is proud to sponsor the LCR Culture and Creativity Awards' new Excellence in Film & TV Award. Liverpool has become one of the most important filming destinations in the UK. Hope Street Hotel regularly welcomes production teams, cast, and crew, and we see first-hand the fantastic impact that film and TV has on the City Region’s culture, economy, and global profile. Supporting this award is an opportunity for us to celebrate the projects and people that nurture creativity and talent within the region, and that continue to build Liverpool's reputation as an acclaimed filming location."

🎵 Liverpool City Region’s music industry contributes £780 million to the economy every year, supports more than 14,000 jobs, and is on track to become a £1 billion sector by 2035. A new landmark report reveals the true scale and impact of the region’s music sector, providing the most comprehensive analysis ever undertaken of Liverpool City Region’s music economy. The findings show: 🎶 £780 million annual economic impact 🎶 £406 million direct GVA 🎶 14,000 people working across the sector 🎶 More than 7,200 full-time equivalent roles 🎶 Publishing and licensing employment nearly seven times the UK average 🎶 A thriving live music ecosystem supported by 500 venues The report highlights Liverpool City Region’s unique strengths in live music, technical production and music rights, while identifying opportunities to support talent, drive innovation and unlock further growth. Funded by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority through its music industry development pilot, the report was commissioned by Liverpool City Council and builds on five years of sector development led by the Liverpool City Region Music Board. 👉ow.ly/Fs7r50ZaCAP

Liverpool City Region’s new Anti-Racism Strategy has been launched with a clear vision to dismantle systemic racism, strengthen trust and celebrate the contribution of members of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities. Created with more than 200 local organisations and over 500 individuals, including community groups, public sector, grassroots activists, educators, businesses, and residents from every borough, the strategy was unveiled yesterday at a special event at Liverpool’s Liver Building which also featured a celebration of the work of the £2.3m Liverpool City Region Race Equality Hub. Find out more here 👇  ow.ly/tf2n50ZaAO5

#News: Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, has announced some changes to the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority’s political cabinet ahead of the body’s Annual Meeting on Friday (June 12). Under its constitution, agreed with government before the election of its first mayor, the Combined Authority is made up of the elected leaders of its six constituent local authorities: Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens and Wirral and chaired by the directly elected mayor of the region. As the City Region takes on its new £1.5 billion Integrated Settlement, a multi-year devolution package, the cabinet has been reshaped to reflect the core competencies that government are measuring its outcomes against. The refreshed cabinet, to be formally approved at tomorrow's meeting, is as follows: ➡️ @MetroMayorSteve will continue to be cabinet lead on Transport and for Policy and Resources. ➡️ Councillor Mike Wharton, Leader of @HaltonBC, will see Regeneration and Innovation added to his Economic Growth responsibilities. Cllr Wharton will also remain the Deputy Mayor. ➡️ Cllr Graham Morgan, Leader of @KnowsleyCouncil, will continue to hold the Housing portfolio with a new focus on Strategic Planning, which reflects the increasing oversight of the Combined Authority in this area. ➡️ Cllr Liam Robinson, Leader of @lpoolcouncil, will focus on Public Service Innovation and the future transfers of the police and fire functions, as part of the implementation of the English Devolution Act. ➡️ Cllr Marion Atkinson, Leader of @seftoncouncil, continues to hold the portfolio for Skills and Employment. ➡️ Cllr George Woodward, Leader of @sthelenscouncil, will take on a new Education portfolio. ews Cllr Paula Basnett, Leader of @WirralCouncil, will take on control of a new Energy and Environment portfolio. At the meeting Mayor Rotheram will also present the Annual Review of the Combined Authority, which will highlight a number of achievements over the past 12 months. Other items on Friday’s agenda include: the Strategic Investment Fund quarterly report; a request to hold a public consultation on the scope and remit of the proposed Liverpool North Docks Development Corporation; and a report recommending the awarding of the contract for the local electric vehicle infrastructure concession. Our Annual Meeting will be live screened to allow the public and media to watch proceedings. Full details at: liverpoolcityregion-ca.gov.u…

Liverpool City Region residents can now access free, NHS-style health checks in community venues, with results in under 5 minutes. These quick checks can help spot early signs of serious conditions like heart disease, stroke and dementia, even if you feel well. Find out more 👇 liverpoolexpress.co.uk/liver…

#ICYMI | Cunard's Queen Anne returns to Liverpool on Wednesday 17 June. 🎉 Whether you want to see her in the day or watch her sail away in the evening, experience the best views of this incredible ship on board of our viewing cruises: 🚢 River Explorer Cruise 🫖 River Explorer Cruise with Afternoon Tea 🌇 Queen Anne Special Farewell Cruise Tickets are limited 👇 merseyferries.co.uk/our-crui…

#LCRCultureAwards 🏆Thank you to our incredible sponsor @LiverpoolHopeUK for supporting the Business in the Arts Award in the 2026 LCR Culture & Creativity Awards. Jo Whittingham, Head of Liverpool Hope Business School shared the following: "Liverpool Hope University is proud to support the Liverpool City Region Culture and Creativity Awards because creativity lies at the heart of what makes our region distinctive, dynamic, and globally recognised. The creative and cultural sectors do far more than enrich our lives; they strengthen communities, inspire innovation, create opportunity and contribute significantly to the prosperity of our city region. As a university, we are deeply committed to developing curious minds, nurturing talent and helping students realise their potential. We see every day how creativity builds confidence, resilience, imagination, and the ability to problem solve. These qualities matter not only in the arts but also across every profession and sector. We are also proud that Liverpool's thriving creative industries create valuable opportunities for our graduates to have fulfilling careers in a city they love. These awards celebrate the individuals, organisations and partnerships whose talent, ambition and creativity continue to shape our region's future for the better."

🎥 Gillmoss depot is now fully electrified ⚡ Ready to power 100 new electric buses across the Liverpool City Region 🚌 A big step towards cleaner air and a modern, more reliable network. Read more: ow.ly/fPCP50Z9Pbl