Cheshire and Warrington council leaders declare that “no one will be left behind” and that “the benefits of devolution will be felt by communities across the whole area”

• The announcement comes following a recent government consultation on devolution for Cheshire and Warrington in which local rural communities expressed concern that devolution will only benefit urban areas
• Council leaders have today declared that “we’re listening, and we will ensure that devolution will bring benefits to all areas – including our rural communities”

Cheshire and Warrington leaders have today reassured local rural communities that “no one will be left behind by devolution, as the benefits will go to all communities across the whole area”.

This announcement comes in response to the government-led consultation that took place earlier this year. The consultation outcome showed that some rural communities in Cheshire and Warrington have concerns that a devolution agreement would focus on urban or high-population areas.

Some respondents expressed concern that a Mayoral Combined Authority might not understand or prioritise the needs of rural communities and businesses in Cheshire and Warrington. 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 compared to larger towns and cities.

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.

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, said: “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.”

Local business leaders have long called for new measures to make it easier to access funding, access to skills and training, and establish a strong local network to help local businesses grow. Devolution could help deliver on these issues because Cheshire and Warrington leaders will be empowered to work with a newly elected Mayor to jointly support local businesses through a more responsive and agile approach to local economic development.

For more information about the Cheshire and Warrington devolution programme, visit cheshireandwarringtondevolution.com.