Devolution debate split over debt fears

Politicians in Cheshire are split over whether to let one of the county's councils join their devolution bid over fears about inheriting its debts.

Cheshire East is set to meet government chiefs over devolving some powers from Westminster.

But at a Cheshire East meeting on Thursday, some Conservative members said they were concerned about including Warrington in the group.

Labour dismissed the concerns and said talks wold not commit the council to anything.

Sutton Conservative councillor Chris O’Leary said: “Warrington Borough Council has a debt of £1.85bn.

“I think it would be utter madness for this council to go into such a deal, because it will just syphon off the resources into Warrington.”

His concerns were echoed by Tory group leader Janet Clowes, who said while devolution had a lot to offer Cheshire, "absolutely we should be considering leaving Warrington out".

'No risk'

Peter Skates, Cheshire East's acting director of place, said devolution could bring financial benefits and increase local powers.

He told Cheshire East’s corporate policy committee on Thursday it was "timely and important" to hold talks with the government.

Labour figures said the talks did not commit the council to anything.

Sam Corcoran, the council leader, said Cheshire East had a "very close working between" with Cheshire West and Warrington, and said there was no risk of Cheshire East’s funding being "syphoned off".

Labour members said devolution could instead mean better transport and more of a say in what happens locally.

Independent Wilmslow councillor Mark Goldsmith said shared the Conservatives' concerns but would not know if they were valid unless there were talks with the government.

Seven councillors voted in favour of the council holding talks with government about devolution options, four voted against and one abstained.