Cheshire and Warrington have been confirmed as part of the Government's devolution priority programme.
This means that the region's outline plans to set up a Combined Authority and hold mayoral elections in May 2026 have been accepted in principle by government.
A final decision will be made by the three councils later this year if the government decides to establish the Mayoral Combined Authority following public consultation.
Devolution is about national government transferring powers and resources away from London and into regions. It does not mean a merger of three existing councils, Cheshire East, Cheshire West and Warrington Borough Councils will retain their current responsibilities and continue to provide services for local people.
The funding for a Mayoral Authority will be passed down from central government along with new powers in areas including housing, regeneration, adult skills and integrated transport. The Mayoral Authority would receive a 30-year investment fund from central government likely to be in the region of £30m per year to support delivery in these four areas.
The government has launched a consultation on the proposal to establish a Mayoral Combined Authority in Cheshire and Warrington, which includes questions on the proposed geography and how the Combined Authority will make decisions.
Councillor Craig Browne said "Personally I remain unconvinced that this is anything more than an additional and unnecessary layer of bureaucracy, however I would encourage all residents to have their say, regardless of what your view point might be."
To have your say complete the consultation before midnight on 13 April.
