Blue sky
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”.

Cheshire and Warrington is part of the government’s Devolution Priority Programme (DPP). This means that the area's plans to set up a Mayoral Combined Authority and hold Mayoral elections in May 2027 have been accepted by government. The three constituent councils have now voted to progress with a devolution agreement for the area.

Devolution is about national government transferring powers and resources away from London and into regions. It’s not about merging councils or taking decisions away from councils. Individual councils would retain most of their current responsibilities and continue to provide services for local people.

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.

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.

check mark
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.

check mark
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.

check mark
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.

check mark
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.

check mark
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.

check mark
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.

check mark

Latest news

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

10/01/2025 - Cheshire East, Cheshire West and Warrington councils ask government to be considered for devolution priority programme
10/01/2025 - Media release

10/01/2025 - Cheshire East, Cheshire West and Warrington councils ask government to be considered for devolution priority programme

Cheshire East, Cheshire West and Warrington councils ask government to be considered for devolution priority programme

17/12/2024 - Devolution joint statement
17/12/2024 - Statement

17/12/2024 - Devolution joint statement

Joint statement on devolution

Displaying 13 to 17 of 17
Previous 1 2 3 Next

Page last reviewed: 15 October 2025