The transfer of powers from Parliament to Cheshire and Warrington has been confirmed as the region heads towards devolution.
The Parliamentary Order to formally establish the combined authority has been approved and signed by Minister for Devolution, Miatta Fahnbulleh MP.
It means the Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority is now officially established.
Residents will elect their first mayor in May 2027 and through the transfer of key transport, economy and skills powers from Whitehall, the combined authority will receive £650m in funding over the next 30 years.
As the combined authority is set up over the next 12 months, it aims to attract investment, create better jobs and improve public transport.
Its aim is to transform the area into the UK’s healthiest, most sustainable, inclusive and fastest-growing economy by 2045.
The Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority will hold its inaugural meeting in April 2026.
Its board will be made up of the leaders and deputy leaders of Cheshire East Council, Cheshire West and Chester Council, and Warrington Borough Council, before a mayor is elected in May 2027.
Leader and deputy leader of Cheshire East Council, Cllr Nick Mannion and Cllr Michael Gorman, said: “Devolution will bring a new approach to the region’s skills agenda and the opportunities we can offer to local people and businesses.
“We want to make Cheshire and Warrington the best place for businesses to invest and find new talent and give local people the opportunities to find work, improve their skills and thrive.
“We want to support the rural economy by developing transport links, promoting the dairy industry and making the case for digital connectivity.
“This will make our region an even more attractive place to live, work, invest and visit.”
Cllr Louise Gittins, leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, said: “It is a landmark moment for Cheshire and Warrington, marking the transfer of powers from Westminster to our region.
“It’s a vital step on our devolution journey, establishing a combined authority before people can elect a mayor in May 2027.
“The economy of Cheshire and Warrington is strong and, by making the most of what devolution offers, we can build on this platform and establish our place in the world – working alongside mayors in Greater Manchester and Liverpool City region to unlock investment, jobs and opportunity for local people and businesses.
“We stand ready to play a leading role in creating prosperity across our region, the North and UK Plc.”
Minister for Devolution Miatta Fahnbulleh MP said: “This is a fantastic step for Cheshire and Warrington, marking a milestone in this government’s mission to shift power out of Westminster and into the hands of the people who know their communities best.
“With over £650m in investment unlocked through devolution, I have every confidence that the region will go from strength to strength.
“Working alongside neighbouring mayors and with a stronger voice on the national stage, Cheshire and Warrington is well-placed to deliver better jobs, better transport and real opportunity for its residents.”
Steve Purdham, chair of the Cheshire and Warrington Business Advisory Board, said: “Cheshire and Warrington has been a real success story within the Northern economy and wider UK.
“We’ve been able to buck the trend nationally by embracing new growth opportunities and moving forward with ambition and drive for our region.
“Devolution is good business: it brings power closer to home, will help local companies grow and attract the talent and skills they need and bring new investment into Cheshire and Warrington.
“We look forward to working with the new mayor to unlock the potential of our people, places and businesses.”
If the Council Tax payers of Cheshire East, and Cheshire West & Chester, think that the are not receiving value for money currently, then the addition of the monetary black-hole that is Warrington is not going to improve things.
Totally agree with Chris Moorhouse, ratepayers will have extra costs imposed on them by way of mayoral costs, upon already heavy costs people are struggling to pay and such people do not get any ‘benefit’ assistance whatsoever to cover these ever increasing costs.
Beggars belief in CEC wanting to make Crewe a thriving place…pity that wasn’t the ethos NOW, given the fact Crewe town centre is virtually a ghost town. TIME WILL TELL IF CREWE BEOMES A PLACE TO INVEST.
Laughable as well, considering CEC having to take handouts from Government for third year running.
Its been approved but the electorate has not been told of any extra costs. I have frequently posted about Andy Burnham’s additional costs. C&W has an interim CE appointed with other highly paid officers to follow. Go to CEC’s web site and check the Unitary Authority pages.