A Devolution deal looks set to go ahead after Cheshire East Council supported plans to establish a Mayoral Combined Authority for Cheshire and Warrington.
At yesterday’s Full Council meeting, Cheshire East councillors backed the devolution proposals narrowly 36-32 – a decision that has the potential to unlock significant new powers and funding for transport, housing, skills, and economic growth.
The decision comes just one week after Cheshire West and Chester Council voted in favour of devolution during a Full Council meeting on Tuesday 9 September, followed by a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday 10 September.
Warrington Borough Council remains the final authority to confirm its decision at the Cabinet meeting taking place next Monday, 22 September, following endorsement at the Warrington Borough Council meeting earlier this week, on Monday, 15 September, which is set to be a formality. If approved by all three councils, the government will enact legislation to give local leaders more control over decisions that directly affect their residents and communities.
The proposed Mayoral Combined Authority would represent more than one million residents and could be operational by early 2026, with the first Mayoral election expected in May 2027.
Cheshire East Council Leader, Cllr Nick Mannion and Deputy Leader, Cllr Michael Gorman, said:”The council’s decision is a clear signal that Cheshire and Warrington is ready to take greater control over the future of our area. Taking control of key decisions locally means we can respond more effectively to the challenges our residents face and take the opportunities that devolution will bring to the area.
“Devolution is about unlocking real opportunities for people and places, our towns and rural communities. With confirmation of over £650million of government funding that will come to Cheshire and Warrington to be spent on local priorities, including improving transport links, boosting local services, and supporting business growth over the next 30 years – the potential benefits are enormous.
“Our focus remains on open, collaborative working with residents and partners to ensure that the changes we pursue deliver clear and lasting benefits. While the path ahead will require dedication, this decision sets us firmly on course for a more dynamic and prosperous future.”
In response to the decision by Cheshire East Council to vote in favour of the Devolution Deal, Warrington Council Liberal Democrat Group Leader Cllr Mark Browne said: “It’s a huge relief that Cheshire East has followed Warrington and Cheshire West and Chester by supporting the deal. If they had voted against it, the whole deal would have been off, which would have been a disaster for our residents and we would have been left behind in terms of government funding.
“I attended the Council meeting in Knutsford along with two of my colleagues, Cllr Ian Marks and Cllr Sharon Harris. The vote was very close with 36 in favour and 32 against. Many councillors of all political persuasions spoke and we were impressed by the quality of the debate. Several members of the business community spoke in the public session before the debate and put forward powerful arguments about why they were overwhelmingly in support.
“As we made clear at the Warrington Council meeting on Monday, we have a number of reservations about the deal, but it is the only game in town and we must ensure we get the best outcome for all our residents with effective scrutiny and full transparency.”
For more information about the Cheshire and Warrington devolution programme, visit cheshireandwarringtondevolution.com
