The Government has given a green light to a combined authority for the Liverpool City Region. Orders have been laid in Parliament to establish the combined authority, which will come into force on 1 April 2014. It will lead the area on economic development, transport, employment and skills. Knowsley MP, George Howarth, said: ‘This is an opportunity that must be seized if we are to secure jobs for our residents and growth for our businesses. ‘The Combined Authority for the Liverpool City Region will provide the platform for councils and businesses to work together for the good of the City Region as a whole.' Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson, said: ‘Working together in this way will put us in a much stronger position when negotiating with government and enable us to make key strategic decisions supporting jobs, growth and regeneration in Liverpool and the whole City Region.'