Report highlights Liverpool's private sector jobs growth

MAYOR of Liverpool Joe Anderson has welcomed a new report which shows 12,800 private sector jobs were created in the City from 2010 - 2012.  Cities Outlook 2014, the annual health check of UK cities by urban economic think-tank Centre for Cities, shows that Liverpool is among the 10 cities in the UK with the highest net growth in jobs, despite huge cuts in the public sector.  Liverpool is ranked at number 5; ahead of Nottingham and Leeds, and just behind Manchester which is fourth.

Mayor Anderson said:- "One of my mantras is that Liverpool is open for business, so I am really pleased that, in the face of the economic downturn we have been able to grow the number of jobs in the City.  We are working really hard every single day to attract new firms and investors to the City, as well as growing startup businesses and encouraging entrepreneurs.  And these figures do not include our recent success in securing around 1,000 new private sector jobs through bringing firms such as H2 Energy, BAC Mono, BT and Amey.   Later this year, we are hosting the International Festival for Business which is a huge opportunity for Liverpool to market itself to the world, showcasing the City as a great place to invest. We've got a number of major schemes in the pipeline which will create significant numbers of positions and I am confident we are on track to deliver on my Mayoral pledge to attract thousands of jobs and investment. Despite the challenges we face with our budget, there's no doubt there are still an awful lot of good things happening in the City and, as I keep saying, I firmly believe Liverpool's best days are ahead of it."

The Centre for Cities report also calls for a radical devolution of powers from Whitehall; echoing a similar plea from Mayor Anderson and other Core Cities for taxes raised locally to be spent locally. The Core Cities Group, London Councils and Mayor of London have jointly launched a City Centred campaign to call for decentralised fiscal reform, beginning with the devolution of property taxes such as Stamp Duty, in order to enable cities to drive economic growth.

Letters to the Editor:- "Dignity Action Day, 1 Feb. 2014"

"AT some point in our lives, most of us have experienced, or will experience, what it is like to care for those close to us – a mother, a father, a sibling, a friend, or simply someone we hold dear. This month we celebrate Dignity Action Day. With an estimated three quarters of a million carers living across the North West alone, the need to recognise and support the efforts of those providing care is greater than ever. So, I would like to ask your readers to take a moment to consider what the term 'care' means to you. I am incredibly proud to work for Vitalise, an amazing charity that for over 50 years has provided a respite break lifeline for people with disabilities and carers at our Sandpipers respite break centre in Southport. We believe that the care given to each individual we support should be as unique as the person receiving it, which is why our breaks rejuvenate, helping to restore special bonds and create priceless moments once more. Caring for someone in need of support is something we can all do. Without the array of dedicated and generous volunteers who pledge their time to us each year, we simply wouldn't be able to continue making such an invaluable difference to the lives of those we help. So why not pledge to support Vitalise in 2014? No matter how you choose to do so, whether by making a donation, participating in one of our various fundraising events, or simply giving your time to volunteer, together we can change lives. We would really love to hear from you! If you would like to support Vitalise, please call:- 0303 303 0147, or visit:- vitalise.org.uk." Stephanie Stone, Vitalise.

NEXT OF KIN APPEAL - MARGARET HAYES

LIVERPOOL Coroner's Office are appealing for the public's help in tracing the next of kin of a woman who died last week. Margaret Hayes died at Woodlands Hospice on Saturday, 25 January 2014. Her death is not being treated as suspicious but is subject to an investigation by the Liverpool Coroner's office. Ms Hayes was 63 years old. Ms Hayes is thought to have lived in the Bootle area and previously worked in the security industry. It is believed that Ms Hayes has 3 adult children. Ms Hayes' family, or anyone who knows them, are asked to call the Liverpool Coroner's Office on:- 0151 225 5061.