“Momentous” step towards devolution
It will unlock at least £650m in funding over 30 years
Leaders across Cheshire and Warrington today hailed a “momentous step towards devolution” and establishing a Mayoral Combined Authority in 2026 after the plans were formally laid before Parliament.
The region is preparing to establish a Mayoral Combined Authority in early 2026, unlocking at least £650 million in funding over 30 years and transferring key powers over transport, economy and skills from Whitehall to local leaders. Residents will elect their first Mayor in May 2027.
And it has taken a huge step closer with confirmation that the Parliamentary Order to formally establish the Mayoral Combined Authority has been laid before Parliament.
This paves the way– subject to approval of both Houses –to establish the Combined Authority and provide for the inaugural Mayoral election in 2027. The government has also confirmed the first tranche of capacity funding will be made available to help establish the Mayoral Combined Authority (£1m of at least £4m released from 2025/6 to 2028/9).
In a letter to council leaders confirming the development, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Devolution, Faith and Communities, Miatta Fahnbulleh MP said: “Implementing devolution for Cheshire and Warrington will be a significant step in making a reality of this government’s ambitious agenda to widen and deepen devolution, delivering economic growth and pushing power out of Whitehall.”
She added: “The making of this Order will also be a significant step for Cheshire and Warrington, giving you as local leaders the power to make decisions that benefit local communities in your areas, boosting economic growth and celebrate local identities.”
The key milestone comes just weeks after the Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority Shadow Board backed the Sustainable and Inclusive Economic Strategy (SIES) - a blueprint to deliver the highest rate of economic and productivity growth in the north, slash carbon emissions by 4.5 million tonnes annually by 2030, and expand access to transport, digital infrastructure and quality housing while reducing poverty.
In a joint statement, delighted leaders of the region’s three councils: Cllr Louise Gittins, Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council; Cllr Hans Mundry, Leader of Warrington Borough Council; and the Leader and Deputy Leader of Cheshire East Council, Cllr Nick Mannion and Cllr Michael Gorman said: “This is a momentous step towards devolution for Cheshire and Warrington and our ambition to be the most sustainable, healthy, inclusive and growing economy in the UK. Devolution offers us the opportunity to shape our future with more local say on the things that matter most to our residents and communities, taking more funding and decision-making away from central government, and into our area.”
For more information about the Cheshire and Warrington devolution programme, visit cheshireandwarringtondevolution.com.