“Devolution cannot deliver a better future if our public services are starved of adequate funding."

In response to the Liverpool City Region Devolution Agreement, UNISON North West Regional Secretary Kevan Nelson said: 

“The devolution of decision-making from Whitehall to a more local level offers the potential for real improvements in economic performance and the quality of life.  More local control of transport, skills and housing could all potentially be of benefit to the people of the City Region.      

“However, it is not clear that this deal will inject sufficient resources to make devolution work. 

“We must not forget the context of massive cuts in Central Government funding for local public services. The six local authorities in the Liverpool City Region have already made £650m of cuts since George Osborne became Chancellor in 2010.  They are anticipating the cuts total reaching over £1bn by 2020.   

“Devolution cannot deliver a better future if our public services are starved of adequate funding.  For the communities and economy of the Liverpool City Region to prosper we need well-resourced public services."