Cheshire leaders consult on net-zero and public transport ambitions

Leaders across the Cheshire and Warrington region are inviting the public to have their saw on ambitions goals on energy and public transport.

Other bold 20-year goals for the region set out in the in-depth 39-page draft sustainable and inclusive economic strategy (SIES), include helping young people of all backgrounds access education, training and job opportunities, improving digital connectivity, tackling poverty and achieving net zero by 2045.

Opening consultation via a series of workshops in June and July, leaders of the region’s three local authorities urged residents, businesses and community representatives to have their say on the draft strategy. Proposals aim to make the region the healthiest, most sustainable, inclusive and fastest-growing place in the country. Goals by 2045 or before include:

• Improving public transport and digital fibre connectivity to all communities by 2045
• No child in the region living in poverty by 2045
• Ensuring all young people reach their potential in terms of education, training and employment 
• Cheshire and Warrington’s economy will be the fastest growing and the most productive economy in the north of England by 2045 
• An economy that works for everyone, in all of our communities, including rural areas
• Life and healthy life expectancies improving across the region and above the national average by 2045 
• Better economic conditions leading to a reduction in crime 
• All workplaces offering fair employment
• Achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2045 and reducing them by 81 per cent by 2035.

Urging people to have their say, Cllr Louise Gittins, chair of the Cheshire and Warrington Joint Committee and leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, said:

“This is a bold, ambitious collective vision for Cheshire West and Chester, Cheshire East and Warrington, which has the potential to transform our economy, promoting fast growth, reducing inequalities and improving the lives of our residents and the fortunes of our businesses.

“We know, with the right partnerships in place, we can tackle the challenges facing our places, residents and businesses and build on the exciting opportunities we have identified – and we look forward to hearing your views to help shape our sustainable and inclusive economic strategy.”