It has six council areas: the five metropolitan boroughs of Merseyside (Liverpool, Knowsley, St Helens, Sefton, Wirral) and the unitary authority of Halton in Cheshire.

[6] The region's mayor and combined authority (LCRCA) have a devolution deal responsible for economic development, regeneration, transport, employment and skills, tourism, culture, housing, spatial planning and physical infrastructure.

The agreement led to a transfer, from central government, greater responsibilities in more than ten areas covering employment, skills, transport, regeneration, housing and planning.

Liverpool City Region's proposal to central government for a combined authority was approved by Parliamentary statutory order in late March, and it legally came into existence from 1 April 2014.

The consultation preceding the creation of the combined authority showed strong support for a name including 'Liverpool' rather than 'Merseyside', in order to capitalise and build upon Liverpool's global 'brand'.

[28] The name was changed to the Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, St Helens, Sefton and Wirral Combined Authority in the draft order presented to parliament.

The LCRCA decided on the creation of a Mayor for the City Region, replacing the need of a Chairperson who previously oversaw CA meetings.

The Mayor wields a number of powers devolved from central government and is seen as the chief representative of the city region in National and International affairs, and also serves as the Chairperson of the Combined Authority.

[5] The Liverpool City Region is strongly established as an important driving force in the economy of Northern England and as a strategic sea and air gateway to the European Union.

It connects to North America, Ireland, the Isle of Man, Europe and beyond; serving international, national and regional markets, investors and visitors.

Broadly speaking Liverpool is the commercial, cultural and transport hub of the region, with Sefton as the base of Seaforth Dock and tourist resort of Southport, Halton as the location for chemical, science, technology, logistics and distribution companies, and Knowsley, St Helens and Wirral providing key manufacturing and logistics for the area.

According to statistics for 2008, the Life sciences sector accounts for almost 10% of the region's economy, over 71,000 people are employed in financial and professional services, over 34,000 in manufacturing, and almost 24,000 in the creative and digital industry.

World companies such as Barclays Wealth, Jaguar Land Rover, Maersk, Novartis, Sony and Unilever, all have a major base of operation in the locality.

The area has relatively low road congestion and its central location makes it an efficient base from which to service the whole country.

Northern operates to Huddersfield, Preston, Warrington, and Blackpool, whilst direct links to Birmingham are possible via West Midlands Trains.

[68] Almost three quarters of a million people[citation needed] travel on Irish Sea ferry services from Liverpool Docks and Birkenhead's Twelve Quays to Belfast, Dublin and the Isle of Man, and there is a growing number of cruise ships making day calls at the port.

[76] The airport is served by easyJet, Ryanair, Lufthansa, Jet2.com, Wizz Air, Play Airlines, Aer Lingus, Loganair and Widerøe.

This includes larger terminal buildings in order to handle extra passengers, extending the runway, targeting permanent direct long haul flights and creating new hotels, restaurants and commercial space.

[78] The expansion plans have sparked concerns by local environmental campaign groups who suggest that expanded airport facilities will encroach on surrounding green space and agricultural land, especially at Oglet Shore.

The airport has responded by saying it 'naturally recognises its wider environmental responsibilities' and has promised measures to protect the areas around the Oglet Shore, with proposals for a revitalised 50 hectare coastal reserve.

The airport argues that it brings significant economic benefits to the city region by supporting its international visitor economy and providing jobs for local people.