A devolution agreement for Cheshire and Warrington will provide over £650million for the area over the next 30 years.

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Significantly, the devolution agreement will also see Cheshire and Warrington residents vote to elect the area’s first Mayor in May 2027.

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Warrington Borough Council – the final council left to formally confirm its decision – approved the proposals at its Cabinet meeting held yesterday evening, on Monday 22 September, following initial endorsement received at its Full Council meeting on Monday 15 September.

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This follows approval from Cheshire East Council and Cheshire West and Chester Council earlier this month.

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With all three councils in agreement, formal consent can now be confirmed with the Secretary of State, which will enable the government to move forward with legislation to formally establish the new Mayoral Combined Authority over the next few months.

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Once established – potentially as early as February 2026 – the Cheshire and Warrington Mayoral Combined Authority will have greater control over key areas such as transport, housing, skills, and economic growth, while unlocking access to significant new funding and investment opportunities.

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And, in May 2027, the area’s residents will have the important decision of electing Cheshire and Warrington’s first Mayor.

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In a joint statement, the leaders of the three councils – Cheshire East, Cheshire West and Chester, and Warrington – said:

"We’re proud to have reached this important milestone together. This decision represents a united commitment to securing a better future for Cheshire and Warrington.

“Devolution gives us a real opportunity to make decisions locally, based on the needs and ambitions of our communities and businesses – whether that's improving transport, delivering more affordable homes, growing our local economy, or investing in the skills our residents need.

“With all three councils aligned, we can now move forward with confidence, unlocking more than £650million in funding over the next 30 years, and shaping a more connected area. This is the beginning of an exciting new chapter, one built on collaboration and a commitment to supporting our communities and businesses to thrive.

“While the three councils have made the decision to establish a Mayoral Combined Authority, the people of Cheshire and Warrington have a significant decision to make in 2027 – and that is the election of the area’s first Mayor.”

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For more information about the Cheshire and Warrington devolution programme, visit cheshireandwarringtondevolution.com.