Register, or lose your right to vote
AGOVERNMENT minister has urged Halton residents to ensure they are registered to vote with just a month to go before the Liverpool City Region metro mayor elections.
On Thursday, May 4, Runcornians and Widnesians will join residents from five other areas to vote for a brand new combined authority mayor to take control of the region.
It forms part of a groundbreaking devolution deal for the Liverpool City Region, through which Whitehall is handing powers to the area to create jobs, improve skills levels, build homes and improve transport.
The powers will be held by a directly-elected mayor who will be able to represent the region on the international stage.
Eligible voters have until Wednesday, April 13, to register to vote and enable them to cast their ballot.
Communities Secretary Sajid Javid said: “It’s one month to go until residents in Liverpool City Region have an historic opportunity to shape how the area is run and vote for the region’s first directly-elected mayor.
“But this is not just about voting for another politician – they’re voting to take control of issues that mat● Communities ter to them, Secretary Sajid whether that’s Javid housing, transport, skills provision or jobs. “So my message to people in Liverpool City Region is simple: check you’re registered to vote, so you can have your say on 4 May.” The Liverpool City Region comprises Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens and Wirral. A spokeswoman for the Department For Communities And Local Government (DCLG) said that devolution deals will put power in the hands ● of ‘local’ people and will help residents take control of decisions that matter to them with combined authority mayors who will be accountable to the people they serve.
Devolution deals across the country includes for mayors in Liverpool City Region, Greater Manchester, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, West of England, West Midlands and Tees Valley.
Each mayor will have control over new long-term budgets from central Government, exercise powers to control roads, transport investment, strategic planning, improve skills and build new homes, and lobby on behalf of their area on issues that matter to residents.
They will also work with business leaders to achieve what is best for jobs and the economy; and capitalise on strengths and assets like universities, scientific research and innovation.
The new mayor is expected to take their seat by Monday, May 8.
The Liverpool City Region mayor will have a range of powers including control of roads and transport investment with new bus franchising powers, control of a £30m a year funding allocation over 30 years, and supporting more young people to gain the skills required to progress into work.