Laura Sharman 13 June 2016

Need for elected mayor puts Cheshire devolution bid on hold

The proposed devolution deal for Cheshire and Warrington has been put on hold, following concerns over the requirement to have an elected mayor.

The three local authorities in the region - Cheshire East, Cheshire West & Chester and Warrington councils – had put forward a devolution bid last year calling for new powers and funding.

However, in a joint statement they said: ‘Following political discussions in Warrington a potential consultation with the public and businesses on a proposed devolution deal for Cheshire and Warrington has been put on hold.

‘We remain strongly committed to collaborative working on a number of key initiatives and we will continue to explore how best to secure more power and resources for our area.’

The leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, cllr Samantha Dixon, added ‘it is disappointing that we haven’t been able to move forward to a consultation on a possible devolution deal at the moment’.

She explained: ‘Whilst the benefits of devolution are extremely favourable for our residents, the Government’s insistence on an elected mayor has made it difficult for all politicians to come to an agreement. The majority of councillors in Cheshire West and Chester were likely to support a consultation to seek the views of residents.

‘If Government is serious about delivering its Northern Powerhouse, now is the time to give up powers to sub-regions and local areas to make their own decisions and I would urge all of our parliamentarians to support this.’

A DCLG spokesman said: 'The Government is determined to devolve power and resources to local people who know their areas best.

'This is a bottom-up process and it is up to local areas to come forward with their proposals but ministers are clear the door remains open to Cheshire and Warrington.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Family Support Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 6 £27,269 - £30,060 (Pay Award Pending)
Do you want to work in an ambitious Local Authority with strong leadership and partnership commitment to Children’s Services? Durham County Council a Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

SENDIASS Support Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 8 £31,586 - £35,235 (Pay Award Pending)
An exciting and rewarding opportunity has arisen within the busy and fast paced SEND Information, Advice, Support Service (SENDIASS). The service has Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Residential Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 7 £29,093 - £32,654 (Pay Award Pending)
Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Team Leader

Durham County Council
Grade 8 £31,586 - £35,235 (Pay Award Pending)
Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Class Teacher

Durham County Council
£31,650- £33,483
Class Teacher MPS 1 -2   £31,650- £33,483 Temporary – required from Monday 1st September 2025 (subject to DBS) until 31st August 2026 25 hours per wee Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner