Mayor Steve Rotheram reacts to Government's Autumn Budget

In a major nod to regional empowerment, today’s Autumn Budget acknowledges the long-overlooked potential of the Liverpool City Region, with commitments to affordable housing, NHS funding, and fairer economic growth.

Following the announcement of the Labour Government’s Autumn Budget, Mayor Steve Rotheram has released a statement.

Steve Rotheram said:

“Today’s Budget is a recognition of two things: that this government inherited an economy badly mismanaged over years, and that only by empowering regions like the Liverpool City Region can we deliver growth and chart a path to a fairer, more prosperous future.

“The Liverpool City Region has long championed the power of devolution to deliver real improvements, and we’re pleased to see this government recognise that local leadership and national support, working hand-in-hand, can achieve transformative results for our communities and Britain as a whole.

“For too long, regions like ours bore the brunt of economic policies that left working families and ordinary communities struggling. But today’s announcements – from investments in affordable housing to rescuing our NHS – send a strong signal: we’re ready to rebuild Britain together. It’s a vital first step in addressing long-standing imbalances and unleashing the untapped potential here in the North and across the country.

“Locally, we’re proud to lead the way, with the UK’s first publicly owned train fleet, publicly led digital connectivity, the UK’s Renewable Energy Coast, and initiatives that directly support working families. Devolution isn’t just about powers; it’s a partnership – and with today’s commitments, we’re seeing the government embrace the value of working closely with regions to drive prosperity and opportunity for all.

“The Liverpool City Region is ready to keep pushing forward, building on today’s Budget and delivering the real change our communities deserve. With this government’s backing, we can achieve a brighter, fairer future – together.”

On the bus fare cap:

“Buses are central to a well-functioning public transport system – that’s why I’ve taken back control of the Liverpool City Region’s. For decades, we’ve seen private operators run down services while driving up profits, and it’s our communities that have paid the price.

“Reliable, affordable services are vital, and the fare cap has helped to build confidence in the bus network after COVID. But this was yet another unfunded Tory spending commitment with nothing left to pay for it beyond December.

“The Labour government has at least ensured a maximum cap stays in place, and the additional billion pounds for buses is welcome. I’ll be fighting to make sure the Liverpool City Region gets our fair share of that funding and am already examining what measures we can take locally to keep fares as affordable as possible.”

On Liverpool City Region receiving a single, integrated funding settlement:

“Today’s confirmation that we will be next to receive an integrated settlement demonstrates the difference that we have made to date and cements our place as one of the leading regions in the UK. But, more importantly, this single, locally controlled funding pot is an important step in graduating from decentralisation to true devolution.

“It reinforces what we’ve long known in the Liverpool City Region: devolution works. Locally, we’re leading the way – from the UK’s first publicly owned train fleet, publicly-led digital connectivity and establishing ourselves as Britain’s Renewable Energy Coast. Today’s announcement will help us take that work to the next level.

“At long last, it is nice to finally have a government that recognises the powerful, positive impact of letting regions take charge of our own destiny.”