We have to spend money where it makes a real impact

projects that will deliver growth, investment and opportunity to all our communities.

My role is about ensuring we are spending money where it has a real impact, improving lives and opportunities for people across our City Region.

Through our devolution agreement we have secured an additional £900 million for our City Region over 30 years, money that we have been investing in creating more jobs, apprenticeships and economic growth.

Since my election we have also attracted nearly half a billion pounds in additional money to support investment in roads, transport and combatting homelessness.

Unlike some other combined authorities, we will not be charging an additional precept on council tax bills this year, to run the Combined Authority.

Whilst we fully develop plans on a whole host of issues, we are: ● Committing £1.6m to support my mayoral priorities, including digital connectivity, the Mersey Tidal project and exploring the re-regulation of buses in the city region; ● Commissioning a new ferry to cross the River Mersey; ● Introducing a £1 off-peak Fast Tag for Mersey Tunnel users, fulfilling one of my manifesto pledges.

In my last column I set out the arguments for devolution, for how coming together as 1.5 million across six districts gives us more clout and lets us take decisions closer to home, which has enabled us to attract nearly £500 million in extra funding, since I was elected in May last year, for local roads, transport and housing projects.

Government has now invited us to put forward ideas for further devolution, to take even more control over big decisions currently taken in London.

Since my last column, we have been working on a new consultation campaign to find out how we can make devolution work for you. Please keep your eyes open for it and take the opportunity to have your say. We need to ensure that devolution works for you and I need your help to make that happen.