As reported earlier this month, 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.
The government 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.
The council's corporate policy committee has now approved a response to the consultation.
Deputy Leader of the Council, Councillor Michael Gorman said, "Devolution offers a powerful voice for growth in Cheshire & Warrington, to bring better jobs, better transport and smarter investment. It is about recognising that decisions about investment in our local area are best made locally, by leaders who understand the area and are at the heart of our communities, rather than in Whitehall.
"The right agreement could offer us many opportunities – for investment, for jobs and skills, for a truly integrated transport network, and to boost our economy. This includes releasing the full potential of our rural economy and boosting prosperity and wellbeing for all our communities. We look forward to the June Spending Review by the UK government which should give us some indication of the level of long-term funding available to the new combined authority.
"Getting this funding and additional powers to make decisions locally through devolution, across all these areas, means we will be able to get the best for our residents and businesses. If we don't make the most of this opportunity, we won't be able to deliver as much for local people.
"The council's response to the consultation shows strong support for the benefits of devolution and the unique potential for Cheshire East alongside our neighbours.
"Our shared vision for Cheshire & Warrington is to be the healthiest, most sustainable, inclusive and growing economy in the UK."
Leader of the Council, Councillor Nick Mannion said: "The government has made clear its commitment to devolution across the remaining areas of England that are not currently covered by devolution agreement.
"Now's the time for Cheshire & Warrington to join the other areas across the North West that already have devolution agreements in place and are reaping the benefits.
"I'd encourage everyone in the borough — residents, businesses, community groups and public and voluntary sector organisations — to learn about the potential benefits of devolution and to respond to the government consultation.
"We have strong and productive working relationships with our neighbours in Cheshire West and Warrington. Devolution is a real opportunity to build on this. It is not about merging councils, the three councils will continue with their current powers, resources and responsibilities.
"We believe that devolution will help us to release the full potential of our borough with the wider Cheshire and Warrington area and will support us to have greater influence nationally, with a seat at the Council of Nations and Regions with the other mayors and national leaders.
"The government consultation will be one of a number of opportunities for people to get involved and share their views."
The government's consultation is focused on a number of key themes, including:
- Proposed geography of a devolution agreement;
- Governance arrangements;
- Supporting the economy;
- Improving social outcomes;
- Local services;
- Improving the local natural environment; and
- Supporting the needs of local communities.
To have your say complete the consultation before 11.59pm on 13 April 2025.
Read the council's response to the seven consultation questions here.
Before any agreement, views will be sought from the region's residents, communities and businesses on how devolution could benefit Cheshire & Warrington. Any formal devolution agreement will need to be agreed by each council as well as the Cheshire & Warrington Joint Committee, which is made up of Leaders and Deputy Leaders of Cheshire East, Cheshire West and Chester and Warrington councils.
