On Friday St Helens Chamber hosted a lively debate about the future of St Helens in light of the Liverpool City Region devolution deal.
We were joined by speakers:
- Mike Palin, Chief Executive, St Helens Council
- Robert Hough, Chairman, Liverpool City Region Local Enterprise Partnership
- Marie Rimmer MP for St Helens South
The event was an exciting opportunity for Chamber Members to hear viewpoints on policies and spending decisions that impact the way they operate.
Important topics were discussed including priorities for restricted Council budgets, the Liverpool City Region Devolution deal and what impact a Merseyside Mayor in 2017 will have, the upcoming EU referendum, and how our MPs can influence policy on our behalf on the national stage.
The speakers fielded questions from the delegates on a range of subjects, including the impact of devolution on SMEs, the reputation of St Helens as a place to live and work, the role of the third sector in the area and the plans for St Helens town centre.
The panel will continue to work together for St Helens on both a regional and national level. The geography of the City Region is key to recognition from the government, and collaboration and a common vision is essential to achieving what is best for St Helens.
