Devolution moves closer as borough backs move

A new combined authority is set to cover the three council areas

Plans for devolved government in Warrington have moved closer.

Warrington Borough Council's elected members voted to back the move, which would see the authority combined with Cheshire West And Chester Council and Cheshire East.

The final sign off will be made by Warrington's cabinet on 22 September.

Cheshire West and Chester Council have already agreed to take the next steps with devolution, while Cheshire East Council will decide later this week.

The full council will have their say on devolution before final approval by the authority's cabinet next week

Speaking after the vote, Warrington Borough Council leader Hans Mundry said: "Devolution is about creating opportunities that directly benefit our communities.

"Through a devolution agreement, Cheshire and Warrington would receive investment of over £650 million over the next 30 years, which presents a real chance to drive forward improvements in transport, housing, skills, business support and beyond."

Councils in Cheshire were given permission to move forward with devolution by the government earlier this year.

If approved, the new combined authority is expected to be set up early next year.

The first mayor of Cheshire and Warrington would be elected in May 2027, after a request to delay elections by a year.

Cheshire West and Chester Council approved plans at a meeting on 9 September, which saw opposition councillors walk out.