Cheshire and Warrington councils issue devolution update

Local council leaders from across the Cheshire and Warrington region have sought to address concerns from rural residents ahead of devolution.

During the consultation on establishing a Mayoral Combined Authority to encompass the region’s local authority areas, respondents from rural communities expressed concern that devolution would focus on the region’s larger towns and cities. Others felt that local rural communities were not prioritised under existing structures, with people also expressing anxieties that market towns and rural areas could be disadvantaged further.

In response to these concerns, Cheshire and Warrington’s leaders have made clear that they are collectively determined to ensure that the benefits of devolution are felt by all communities across the area.

In a joint statement, 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:

“We’re backing devolution because we are confident that it will bring enormous benefits for the whole of Cheshire and Warrington. We also recognise the feedback from the government’s consultation, which is why one of our key priorities is to ensure that rural communities and businesses benefit from the funding and powers that devolution will bring.

“We’re listening to the feedback we’ve had so far, and we’re committed to ensuring that devolution will bring benefits to all areas – including our local rural communities. We want to celebrate the unique character of our rural areas, while also making sure they feel supported and connected, both now and in the future.

“Devolution for our area means giving every corner of Cheshire and Warrington – from vibrant towns to rural hamlets – 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.

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

Outline plans to set up a Mayoral Combined Authority and hold mayoral elections in May 2027 are due to be voted on by Cheshire East Council, Cheshire West and Chester Council and Warrington Borough Council in September. If approved, devolution would mean more local control over the economy and regeneration funds, enabling targeted investments that support local industrial strengths – from life sciences to advanced manufacturing.

Sarah Callander Beckett, owner of Combermere Abbey near Nantwich and Chair of the Cheshire and Warrington Rural Strategy Group, commented:

“There is so much potential in the Cheshire and Warrington economy, particularly within our rural communities, but local businesses like mine need support and I think devolution will deliver that.

“Businesses and communities in our rural areas area must be included to enable them to develop, grow and thrive. They are a huge part of what makes Cheshire and Warrington such a unique place to live and work and already contribute substantially to the wellbeing of the area, both socially and economically. We must be supportive to reap the benefits devolution can bring.

“Devolution could be a gamechanger for local businesses as a new Mayor – working with local businesses and council leaders – would be able to respond more quickly to new opportunities and help us access new funding, skills and training to help us grow. Councils need to back devolution for Cheshire and Warrington if they are serious about backing local businesses, growing the local economy, and creating more local jobs.”