THE planned transfer of assets from a Wirral housing association to a Liverpool trust was unanimously approved by councillors tonight.

During a three-hour meeting of Wirral's full council, members gave their full backing to a scheme allowing Liverpool Housing Trust to take over management of Beechwood and Ballantyne Community Housing Association's assets for five years.

POWERHOUSE:

Councillors also debated  whether Merseyside should become part of a"Northern Powrhouse", in which Central government devolves power to the regions.

In a notice of motion that was defeted by 41 votes to 18, Conservative group leader Jeff Green said the "opportunity provided by the government must not be squandered" and called on council leader Phil Davies to: "advise the next meeting of the Combined Authority to engage enthusiastically in the development of the Northern Piwerhouse."

In response, Cllr Davies - who is chairman of Merseyside's Combined Authority said: "The Northern Powerhouse is a real opportunity to raise opportunities for Wirral, but we need to look at what the proposals are, to see what will be offered. At the moment, we don't know.

"We need to ensure that it will be a beneficial and deliverable deal for Wirral."