Cheshire West and Chester councillors vote to progress with devolution
Local democracy took a bold step forward today as Cheshire West and Chester councillors voted to push ahead with plans for a Mayoral Combined Authority – paving the way for greater control over transport, housing, jobs, and investment across the area.
The vote, held during a Full Council meeting yesterday (9 September), and confirmed by the council's Cabinet at a meeting today (10 September), signals support for the proposed devolution deal for Cheshire and Warrington.
If approved by all three councils – Cheshire West and Chester Council, Cheshire East Council, and Warrington Borough Council – the area could soon gain new powers and funding directly from government.
The decision now enters a formal call-in period, allowing councillors to request further scrutiny before the resolution is enacted. If no call-in is received, the council will move forward with negotiations to establish the Combined Authority, subject to votes at Cheshire East Council and Warrington Borough Council.
The proposed Mayoral Combined Authority would represent over one million residents and could be operational by early 2026, with the first mayoral election expected in May 2027.
Cheshire West and Chester Council Chief Executive, Delyth Curtis, said:
"This vote marks a turning point for Cheshire and Warrington. It reflects a shared ambition, amongst councillors, officers and the residents we serve, to take greater ownership of the decisions that shape our communities.
“Devolution isn’t just about governance, it’s about unlocking real opportunities for people and places. Significant government funding will come to Cheshire and Warrington to be spent on priority areas, from improving transport links and boosting local skills, to accelerating housing delivery and supporting business growth – the potential benefits are enormous.
“We’re committed to working transparently and collaboratively with our partners and residents to ensure this process delivers meaningful change. The road ahead will require careful planning and continued engagement – and this vote marks the first bold step toward a more empowered and brighter future for our area."
Votes will take place across the other two constituent councils - Cheshire East Council at a Full Council meeting on Wednesday 17 September, and at Warrington Borough Council's Full Council meeting on Monday 15 September, followd by a meeting of the Cabinet on Monday 22 September.
For more information about the Cheshire and Warrington devolution programme, visit cheshireandwarringtondevolution.com.