During the Full Council meeting, councillors discussed what a devolution agreement would mean for Warrington and the wider area.

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The meeting ultimately endorsed the principle of establishing a Mayoral Combined Authority (MCA) for Cheshire and Warrington.

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This endorsement follows similar backing from Cheshire West and Chester Council, which endorsed a devolution agreement during its Full Council meeting on Tuesday 9 September, followed by Cabinet approval on Wednesday 10 September. Cheshire East Council is also set to vote on Wednesday 17 September.

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Warrington’s Cabinet will now meet on Monday 22 September to take a final, formal vote on the establishment of a MCA – a milestone that could lead to substantial new investment in key areas such as transport, housing, skills development, and economic growth.

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The proposed MCA would represent over one million residents and would be operational by early 2026, with the first mayoral election expected in May 2027.

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If all three councils approve the deal, the area will move forward with securing a devolution agreement for Cheshire and Warrington.

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Warrington Borough Council Leader, Cllr Hans Mundry, said:

"Warrington’s Full Council endorsement marks an important milestone. We now await final consideration by Cabinet on Monday 22 September.

“Devolution is about creating opportunities that directly benefit our communities. Through a devolution agreement, Cheshire and Warrington would receive investment of over £650million over the next 30 years, which presents a real chance to drive forward improvements in transport, housing, skills, business support, and beyond.”

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