The vote, set to take place at a Full Council meeting on Tuesday 9 September, will determine whether council members formally support the creation of a Cheshire and Warrington Mayoral Combined Authority – unlocking new powers and funding for the area.

‍

The Joint Committee report, discussed at a meeting on Friday 29 August, outlined the strategic benefits of devolution that are set out in the English Devolution and Community Empowerment bill. This includes greater control over transport, housing, skills, and economic development. The committee agreed to recommend to the councils that a Combined Authority should be established for Cheshire and Warrington.

‍

If approved by all three constituent councils – Cheshire East Council, Cheshire West and Chester Council, and Warrington Borough Council – a new Combined Authority would be established in early 2026, with inaugural Mayoral elections taking place in May 2027.

‍

Councillors will consider the findings of the government-led public consultation and regional engagement activities – which revealed community priorities that could be supported by a devolution agreement.

‍

The proposed Mayoral Combined Authority would give Cheshire and Warrington additional powers around the economy, public services, skills and education, and employment.

‍

Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Chief Executive, Delyth Curtis, said:

“This is an important step in the process of seeking approval to establish a Mayoral Combined Authority for Cheshire and Warrington, which local councillors across all three councils will give their detailed consideration.”

‍

At the Cheshire West and Chester Full Council meeting, councillors will vote whether or not to endorse and recommend to the council’s Cabinet, the principle of the establishment of a Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority in line with existing legislation.

‍

The vote marks the next step in a series of democratic approvals required to progress the devolution deal, with confirmation that Cheshire and Warrington has met the statutory criteria to proceed already received from the government.

‍

This will be followed by votes at the other two constituent councils – Warrington Borough Council (at a Full Council meeting on Monday 15 September) and Cheshire East Council (at a Full Council meeting on Wednesday 17 September).

‍

In line with governance arrangements, further reports will be presented to the Cabinet meetings of Cheshire West and Chester Council (on Wednesday 10 September) and Warrington Borough Council (on Monday 22 September) for formal approval.

‍

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