A cross-party working group to explore devolution proposals for Cheshire is to be set up by the Leader of Cheshire East Council, Councillor Rachel Bailey.
The Council would then hope to develop discussion with Cheshire West and Chester Council with a view to creating debate around devolved powers for Cheshire along similar lines to the Northern Powerhouse, championed by former Chancellor and Tatton MP George Osborne.
Leader of Cheshire East Council, Rachel Bailey said: "We have strong and successful partnerships with our neighbouring authorities and this joint working will continue.
"However, I want to secure the right deal to deliver our ambitious growth plans in Cheshire East.
"This is why I am establishing a cross party working group within Cheshire East to work with me on developing the best possible case.
"This has the support of the Conservative group and full Council.
"The working group's objective will be to enable an understanding to shape what devo could mean for the borough.
"In addition, I would like us to have more powers over things such as large scale infrastructure projects, public transport, skills and health services provided to our residents.
"I believe that these are the right areas to focus on if we are going to secure economic prosperity for all our residents and protect and enhance the quality of place we have within Cheshire East."
Comments
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Good question! The term "Combined Authority" is being used, but it seems from the member's group briefings that the proposals are more akin to a "Strategic Partnership", where a group of existing councils agree to work together and pool resources across certain policy areas, with the aim being to get additional funding from Central Government as a result.
Contrary to the implication given in the article by Cllr Bailey, the proposals have not yet been debated or agreed by Full Council although a working party has been set up by the Leader, with representation from each of the various political groups at Cheshire East, including the Independents. Watch this space!
Kind regards,
Craig