In January 2025, the Cheshire and Warrington Joint Committee agreed to take forward securing a devolution agreement for Cheshire and Warrington.

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The papers published for Joint Committee consideration, set out the process needed to approve the establishment of a Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority. This includes the intention to hold inaugural Mayoral elections in May 2027.

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Joint Committee approval would mark the first formal step in a series of democratic approvals required to unlock greater powers and funding for Cheshire and Warrington.

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Subject to approval at the Joint Committee meeting, each constituent council – Cheshire East, Cheshire West and Chester, and Warrington – will hold formal meetings where councillors will vote on whether to proceed with the devolution plans.

• ‍Cheshire West and Chester Council – Full Council meeting on Tuesday 9 September, Cabinet meeting to formally approve on Wednesday 10 September
• ‍Warrington Borough Council – Full Council meeting on Monday 15 September, Cabinet meeting to formally approve on Monday 22 September
• ‍Cheshire East Council – Wednesday 17 September

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In line with governance arrangements, additional reports will be presented to the Cabinet meetings of Cheshire West and Chester Council and Warrington Borough Council, as outlined above.

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Following publication of the Joint Committee papers, Cllr Louise Gittins, Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, Leader and Deputy Leader of Cheshire East Council, Cllr Nick Mannion and Cllr Michael Gorman, and Cllr Hans Mundry, Leader of Warrington Borough Council, said:

“This is a landmark moment for Cheshire and Warrington. Devolution offers us the opportunity to shape our future with greater autonomy and ambition. By working together, we can unlock new investment, drive inclusive growth, and deliver better outcomes for our residents and businesses.

“Community leaders have long called for greater support for local businesses, emphasising the need for easier access to funding, training, and a strong local network to help them grow. Local residents and businesses also responded to the government consultation earlier this year, giving valuable insight into local priorities.

“The right devolution agreement will help deliver on these priorities, enabling Cheshire and Warrington leaders to work with a new Mayor to jointly support local businesses, through a more effective approach to economic development and innovation.

“We’re therefore backing devolution, because the right agreement will bring enormous benefits for the whole of Cheshire and Warrington.

“We’re ready to invest in our people, businesses, and public services, and to stand up for all our communities to ensure that no one will be left behind. We will work tirelessly to ensure that the benefits of devolution will be felt by all communities across the entire area.

“Devolution for our area means giving every corner of Cheshire and Warrington the power to shape its own destiny. This is more than just a governance change – it’s a truly transformative moment in our collective history.”

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To read the full Joint Committee report, visit cheshireandwarringtondevolution.com/key-documents.

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