ON THE face of it, it sounds like a grand idea: a Merseyside “super cabinet” to help the region raise its game and boost economic growth.

Under the plan, each of the six council leaders in the Liverpool city region would be given a portfolio of responsibility on the new cabinet, in the hope that by clubbing together they will command a more powerful voice collectively than they could ever hope to achieve individually.

Among the aims of the new cabinet – or Multi-Area Agreement (MAA) – would be persuading the Government to devolve powers to the region and cut bureaucracy, as well as increasing the region’s economic output by better strategic planning and working together to increase productivity.

Leaders from across the region have said better working across the local authorities in the area was crucial to narrow the economic gap with the rest of the country, with one claiming the region would be “unstoppable” if the local authorities collaborated more.

A report compiled by the Merseyside Policy Unit sets out the problems and challenges facing the area. These include the region’s relatively low economic position, with projected future growth insufficient to close the productivity gap with average cities in the UK, Europe, USA, Asia and China.

Perceptions of the region nationally are also an issue, with the Liverpool city region still being defined by its problems rather than its successes.

The skill profile of the region is also poor and self-employment rates are lower than elsewhere, with poor health and low quality housing stock also identified as key issues for the region.

There is no doubt that the region must raise its game to meet these challenges.

But, while the opportunity for joined-up thinking should not be lost, it is important to ensure that such a Merseyside “super cabinet” should not become simply another layer of bureaucracy and a talking shop.