IT is the big regional change that has provoked a storm of debate among Star readers who argue they didn’t have chance to have a say.

Now here’s their opportunity, as the Government is inviting feedback on the proposed creation of a combined Liverpool City Region authority that would be tasked with growing the economy and creating more jobs.

Under the vision, St Helens Council would join forces with Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton and Wirral to create the new body.

Each council would retain its individual identity and deliver its own services, but the Liverpool City region authority would make strategic decisions on issues such as transport, housing, economic development and funding applications.

St Helens Council, which has formally backed the proposals, insists the move would not lead to the creation of a so called ‘super council’.

But it is controversial step, not least because of the minimal response from St Helens when an initial round of consultation took place over the summer.

The Green Party pointed out, in a story published by the Star a fortnight ago, that out of a potential 1.3 million responses across Merseyside and Halton just 168 people took part.

Eighteen came from St Helens, leading some Star readers to argue the proposals were not publicised wide enough.

Now a further statutory consultation period of eight weeks will give those wishing to have their say a chance to reply.

To find out more about the Government’s consultation and how to feedback comments, visit www.gov.uk/government/consultations The consultation closes on January 22, 2014.