Should Warrington Back the Cheshire Devolution Deal?

AS members of Warrington Borough Council discussed devolution this evening (Monday) independent Cllr Stuart Mann asks the question “Should Warrington be backing the Devolution Deal?

After much research and investigation, here are his thoughts.

Devolution in England was designed to give regions more power to shape decisions closer to home. In some places, that promise has been realised.
Greater Manchester has pioneered an integrated transport network and taken control of health and social care budgets, while Cornwall has used devolved investment funds to support more than 11,000 local businesses. The Liverpool City Region has been able to align skills and training more closely with economic needs. Supporters point to these as examples of the real benefits of devolution: local control over investment, stronger leadership, and the ability to set priorities without waiting for Whitehall.
But the picture is far from straightforward. Critics argue that devolution in England has been inconsistent. Some areas have secured health powers while others have not, creating what some call a “postcode lottery of opportunity.” Central government funding streams also remain tightly controlled, leaving combined authorities without full financial freedom.
Governance has proven another challenge. In Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, political conflict exposed weaknesses in the system. In Tees Valley, the Teesworks regeneration project has been dogged by concerns over transparency, value for money and accountability.
For Warrington, these issues in particular feel especially relevant given the findings of the recent Best Value Inspection and the Borough’s current financial pressures.
Local engagement — enough or not?
Since the government announced its devolution “priority programme” on 5 February, just a handful of public engagement events have taken place across Cheshire and Warrington. In Warrington, one pop-up event and a voluntary sector focus group were held. Cheshire West & Chester managed two events, while Cheshire East hosted three.
Across three boroughs — with a combined population of more than a million people — only 560 residents were directly engaged face to face. Of these, over 450 were reached at market stalls, often brief encounters. Fewer than 70 attended structured events, and fewer than 50 young people were involved.
When asked whether this level of consultation was enough to underpin such a major change in how councils operate and how money is spent, many residents and some councillors have expressed concern.
What did the consultation say?
Then we have the results of the government’s consultation which were also striking.
Across all seven questions asked, a majority of respondents opposed the deal.
On the central question — whether people supported the deal at all — 963 respondents said “no” compared to 559 who said “yes.” Opposition outweighed support across every substantive question, with “neutral” or “don’t know” responses never closing the gap.
For some, this suggests a lack of awareness, confidence and understanding of what devolution might mean for Warrington. For others, it reflects a deeper fear of change and opposition to the unknown.

What next?
The decision for Warrington Borough Council is therefore a difficult one. On the one hand, devolution could unlock opportunities for jobs, infrastructure and investment if delivered with strong governance and safeguards. On the other, without robust oversight, transparent decision-making, and genuine public engagement, I think it risks wasting money and undermining trust.
Councillors now face a pivotal question: should Warrington move forward with devolution as part of a wider Cheshire deal, or hold back until stronger guarantees and deeper public engagement are in place?
The answer will help shape the future of local government for years to come.
I am under no illusion, devolution across England is a key commitment of the current Labour government and Warrington is a Labour run council.
Barring a change of government 𝐈𝐓 𝐖𝐈𝐋𝐋 𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐄𝐍 no matter what.
Is it better to be on the first bus collecting the substantial amount of money that comes with it or stood at the bus stop still waiting?
There is a big part of me, considering the challenging financial situation we find ourselves in, that prefers the first option 𝐁𝐔𝐓 there is a lot more than that to consider.
As Borough Councillor for Burtonwood and Winwick, I have spent the last eight months (amongst other things) doing all that I can to understand what devolution could mean not only for residents in my rural ward but for every person in our great town.
Tonight, at the full council meeting, I will listen carefully and look for reassurance that the council will commit to proper governance, robust oversight, and genuine engagement with the people of Warrington; engaging better, more often, and proving it is listening to local concerns; before I decide whether to vote for or against the proposal.