Responding to the Chancellor’s budget, Steve Rotheram said:

“Last week I set out a vision for the future of our City Region and a series of key asks from Government. I therefore welcome the positive announcements of £134 million for transport in Liverpool City Region along with our share of the £28 million Housing First allocation to tackle homelessness.”

“I also welcome the Chancellor’s commitment to working with us to explore further devolved powers to the City Region.”

“However, I am disappointed that other key asks including greater local control of the apprenticeship levy have not been granted, and there is still no commitment to the potentially transformational Crossrail for the North.”

“On balance it is budget of missed opportunities. He could have done so much more to support economic rebalancing, stimulate growth and revive our cash-strapped public services.”

“We were promised a game changing budget, but in reality he is failing to lay the foundations for a stronger and fairer country for all.”