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A Strong voice for Cheshire East

A strong voice for Cheshire East

Cheshire + Warrington Devolution

Devolution for Cheshire and Warrington

Our vision is “enabling prosperity and wellbeing for all in Cheshire East”. Our shared vision for Cheshire and Warrington is “to be the healthiest, most sustainable, inclusive and growing economy in the UK”.

Devolution for Cheshire and Warrington means more decisions made locally, by the people who know our area best – not dictated from Whitehall. It means local leaders will make the important decisions about our area that matter most to our residents, communities and businesses.

We need affordable and convenient transport, good-quality homes in the right places, and a workforce with the skills our businesses need – devolution will help us to meet these challenges.

This is a once in a generation opportunity for everyone who lives, works and enjoys life in Cheshire East to take control of our own future, with our neighbours in Cheshire and Warrington.

Devolution means we will have a strong voice nationally, with a seat at the Council of Nations and Regions, putting the area on the map and bringing more benefits to Cheshire and Warrington and Cheshire East.

Being on the government’s Devolution Priority Programme means we are at the front of the queue to release the benefits.

A devolution agreement for Cheshire and Warrington will be subject to approval from the three councils, before it’s implemented.

Devolution could make a huge difference to Cheshire and Warrington

For residents

Community group of people

For residents, devolution will mean better transport, more jobs, stronger skills training, thriving town centres and prosperous rural communities —creating a place where everyone benefits.

For businesses

Industrial engineer looking toward the factory

For businesses, it will enable growth and investment in our world-leading sectors—life sciences, clean energy, digital, and advanced manufacturing. We will also support growth in our SMEs and our rural economies, creating more and better jobs in the area.

Myth busters

MYTH
"It's all a bit rushed. What's the harm in waiting until 2027?"

Every other part of the North West already has a deal. Waiting doesn’t pause the opportunity – it hands it to someone else.

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MYTH
"This will just add another expensive layer of bureaucracy."

Devolution streamlines regional decision-making. It brings powers and funding under local control – with fewer delays and more local say.

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MYTH
"We don’t even know what we’re signing up to – here’s not enough detail."

That’s what the consultation was for. Now it’s about shaping the deal with government – to get the best result for Cheshire and Warrington.

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MYTH
"It’s all going to go to Warrington and Crewe anyway – rural areas won’t see a penny."

Devolution is our chance to argue for fairer funding. Without a deal, we’ll be left bidding for scraps. With one, we help set the priorities.

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MYTH
"This will just mean more borrowing, and we can’t afford that."

The whole point of devolution is unlocking long-term funding. That’s how we plan properly – and avoid lurching from one short-term fix to another.

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MYTH
"Parish and town councils will be squeezed out—it’s the death of local identity."

Local identity isn’t going anywhere. Devolution strengthens our voice at a regional level, so we can protect what matters to our communities.

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MYTH
"This whole thing just hands power over to some mayor sitting in Warrington telling us what to do."

Devolution means more local control – not less. Every council keeps running its own services. Joint decisions only happen where it makes sense—like transport and investment.

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Latest news

Devolution could offer a strong voice for Rural Cheshire East
15/05/2025 - Article

Devolution could offer a strong voice for Rural Cheshire East

Around 40% of residents live in rural communities

22/04/2025 - Council submits devolution consultation response to government
22/04/2025 - Media release

22/04/2025 - Council submits devolution consultation response to government

Cheshire East Council is pressing for a meaningful devolution agreement for Cheshire & Warrington

24/03/2025 - Cheshire East supports extra funding and powers for Cheshire & Warrington
24/03/2025 - Media release

24/03/2025 - Cheshire East supports extra funding and powers for Cheshire & Warrington

Our response to government consultation shows strong support for the benefits of devolution for Cheshire and Warrington

19/02/2025 - Cheshire and Warrington devolution: have your say
19/02/2025 - Media release

19/02/2025 - Cheshire and Warrington devolution: have your say

Have your say on devolution for the area by taking part in the government's consultation

14/02/2025 - Devolution Minister sees great opportunity in visit to  Cheshire and Warrington
14/02/2025 - Media release

14/02/2025 - Devolution Minister sees great opportunity in visit to Cheshire and Warrington

An early opportunity for Cheshire and Warrington leaders to discuss what devolution could achieve for our residents, businesses and communities

05/02/2025 - Cheshire and Warrington part of Government's devolution priority programme
05/02/2025 - Media release

05/02/2025 - Cheshire and Warrington part of Government's devolution priority programme

The Cheshire and Warrington region has been confirmed as part of the Government's devolution priority programme

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Page last reviewed: 15 May 2025