THE transfer of powers from Parliament to Cheshire and Warrington has been confirmed today (Tuesday), giving local people and leaders more control over the region’s future.
The Parliamentary Order to formally establish the Combined Authority has been approved and signed by Minister for Devolution, Miatta Fahnbulleh.
It means the Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority is now officially established, and work will continue to prepare for the election of the region’s first Mayor in May 2027.
The Mayor and Combined Authority will have control over powers related to transport, skills and investment, including a 30-year investment fund worth £650 million.
Having a Mayor means Cheshire and Warrington will have a seat at the table on key northern, national and international platforms.
The Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority will hold its inaugural meeting in April. Its board will be made up of the leaders and deputy leaders of Warrington Borough Council, Cheshire East Council and Cheshire West and Chester Council,, before a Mayor is elected in May 2027.
Cllr Louise Gittins, leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, said: “Today is a landmark moment for Cheshire and Warrington, marking the transfer of powers from Westminster to our region. It’s a vital step on our devolution journey, establishing a Combined Authority before people can elect a Mayor in May 2027.
“The economy of Cheshire and Warrington is strong, and by making the most of what devolution offers, we can build on this platform. By having a Mayor, we can work alongside our neighbours in Greater Manchester and Liverpool City Region to unlock investment, jobs and opportunity for local people and businesses, and play a stronger role in creating prosperity across our region, the North and UK PLC.”
Cllr Hans Mundry, leader of Warrington Borough Council, said: “In Warrington, we can see the transformative effect of investment and better public transport on a town’s outlook and opportunity. By increasing access to good quality jobs and improving skills, we have been able to develop one of the fastest growing local economies in the country. I am excited to see how devolution will help us to go further and faster.”
Leader and deputy leader of Cheshire East Council, Cllr Nick Mannion and Cllr Michael Gorman, added: “Devolution will bring a new approach to the region’s skills agenda and the opportunities we can offer to local people and businesses. We want to make Chesire and Warrington the best place for businesses to invest and find new talent, and give local people the opportunities to find work, improve their skills and thrive.
“We want to support the rural economy by developing transport links, promoting the dairy industry and making the case for digital connectivity. This will make our region an even more attractive place to live, work, invest and visit.”
Minister for Devolution, Miatta Fahnbulleh, said: “This is a fantastic step for Cheshire and Warrington, marking a milestone in this government’s mission to shift power out of Westminster and into the hands of the people who know their communities best.
“With over £650 million in investment unlocked through devolution, I have every confidence that the region will go from strength to strength.
“Working alongside neighbouring Mayors and with a stronger voice on the national stage, Cheshire and Warrington is well-placed to deliver better jobs, better transport and real opportunity for its residents.”
Steve Purdham, chair of the Cheshire and Warrington Business Advisory Board, said: “Cheshire and Warrington has been a real success story within the Northern economy and wider UK. We’ve been able to buck the trend nationally by embracing new growth opportunities and moving forward with ambition and drive for our region.
“Devolution is good business: it brings power closer to home, will help local companies grow and attract the talent and skills they need, and bring new investment into Cheshire and Warrington. We look forward to working with the new Mayor to unlock the potential of our people, places and businesses.”
Today’s announcement follows news in January that the Combined Authority has appointed former chief executive of Homes England, Nick Walkley as its interim chief executive.
The Combined Authority Shadow Board has been working since October last year to establish the robust foundations needed for successful devolution, including approval of the region’s ambitious 20-year Sustainable and Inclusive Economic Strategy
3 Comments
This looks another absolutely crazy decision if they plan actually doing this in 2027 when Warrington BC is on its knees financially with more than enough to sort out without the distraction of undertaking a merger with the two Cheshire Authorities (one of which is also not in great financial health). Is this just a way of trying to “paper over the cracks” and snaffle new funds to spend ? Warrington BC needs at least another year through until 2028 before this process takes place. Please, please please can we have some common sense prevail for once ?
There is no merger. The local transport functions of WBC will transfer to the new Mayor, it may affect the running of Warrington’s own buses but that was under review by the government envoys any way. If it works the bus service may be improved and better integrated with Merseytravel and the Bee Network. One can only hope. This can get more important later but is not a merger of councils.
There is no merger. The local transport functions of WBC will transfer to the new Mayor, it may affect the running of Warrington’s own buses but that was under review by the government envoys any way. If it works the bus service may be improved and better integrated with Merseytravel and the Bee Network. One can only hope. This can get more important later but is not a merger of councils.