WARRINGTON is one of three Cheshire councils poised to ask the Government to transfer powers to the county as part of a devolution bid which, it is claimed, could create up to 112,000 new jobs.
The proposal by Warrington, Cheshire East and Cheshire West and Chester aims to improve transport links, build homes and boost business.
The three councils share an ambition to “drive forward the Northern Powerhouse” – but there is disagreement over whether there should be an elected Mayor.
Cllr Terry O’Neill (pictured), leader of Warrington Borough Council and chairman of the Cheshire and Warrington Sub-Regional Leaders Board said: “Warrington Borough Council has been working closely with Cheshire East and Cheshire West Councils, and the Local Enterprise Partnership to submit ambitious proposals for the sub-region.
“These are essentially about doubling the size of our economy, creating 110,000 new jobs, building over 115,000 new homes, improving the transport infrastructure and enhancing the skills provision.
“We are asking for greater control over resources and powers from the government to ensure this occurs. We plan to submit our proposal very soon and if government wish to take our proposal further we will then enter into dialogue with them on the details.”
Warrington has repeatedly made it clear it does not favour the idea of an elected Mayor.
But Cheshire East supports the idea.
Warrington’s nuclear sector, Crewe’s HS2 hub, and plans to improve transport and infrastructure in Chester, Ellesmere Port and parts of North East Wales are all seen as key to the bid.
It is hoped Cheshire will be able to retain business rates generated by new companies, so they could be used to fund the development of new housing.
A Cheshire West and Chester Council report said the plans would help “enhance productivity and deliver real and lasting public service transformation which will support the economic growth ambitions.”
Cllr Brian Clarke, lead member for economic development and infrastructure at Cheshire West, said: “The Cheshire and Warrington sub-region has a long heritage of successfully working together, delivering real economic collaboration and growth.
“A devolution deal will build on these unique economic attributes, distinctive local geography and the drive and determination of both private and public sector partners.”
A further proposal will be put forward to establish an Enterprise Zone in Ellesmere Port, to incentivise businesses to relocate to the area.
2 Comments
Making us more autonomous over how funds are dispersed across our town has to be good news. Who knows the town better than the people who live & do business in it? I’m hoping powers are devolved!
Considering in whose hands the devolved powers will fall – I’m hoping powers are not devolved !
They don’t seem to me to be using the powers they already have very wisely. As for dispersing funds across our town, lately they’ve been dispersing great amounts of our town’s funds outside of our town – whilst making cutbacks to basic services.
I don’t think the ‘regional leaders’ have been making decisions that enhance the quality of life of the general public. They scrimp on public services so that they have money to spend on their ego boosting, fantastical projects.
So I’m glad that their appetite for power and glory can be restrained by central govt – and also glad that our govt can be restrained by Europe.