Wirral Council's leader has welcomed the announcement by the Chancellor in yesterday's Budget that Liverpool City Region will be one of eight new Freeport areas.

This will create a regional hub for trade, innovation and commerce and will be an area where normal tax and customs rules do not apply.

At a Freeport, imports can enter with simplified customs documentation and without paying tariffs. The Freeports are areas where businesses can benefit from tax reliefs, customs benefits and wider government support, with the aim of bringing investment, trade and jobs to help with local regeneration.

East Midlands Airport, Felixstowe & Harwich, Humber, Plymouth and South Devon, Solent, Teesside and Thames as well as Liverpool City Region have been successful in the Freeports bidding process for England. It is expected the Freeports will begin operations from late 2021.

Wirral Council leader, Cllr Janette Williamson, said: "This is great news to support our plans for the regeneration of the dockland area in Wirral. Designation as a Freeport means we can promote our port area as a location that meets modern business needs. This change will help bring more investment and jobs to the borough, while we will continue to work to protect existing businesses.

"The Freeport designation will also support our wider regeneration work which is really moving forward quickly now, and will help us in breathing new life into Birkenhead and the east side of the borough – and making the most of the incredible assets we have here in Wirral.

"It also ties in with our commitment to bringing more and better employment to Wirral, including our support of the Liverpool City Region's first Fair Employment Charter launched a few weeks ago."

Developed in partnership with over 300 local employers of all sizes, trade unions and workers, the Fair Employment Charter is designed to promote businesses who offer secure, properly paid jobs and treat staff well.