Major council shake-up in the UK

A Mayoral Combined Authority for Cheshire and Warrington is set to be established, following formal approval by all three local councils – Cheshire East Council, Cheshire West and Chester Council, and Warrington Borough Council.

A devolution agreement for Cheshire and Warrington will provide over £650 million for the area over the next 30 years.

Significantly, the devolution agreement will also see Cheshire and Warrington residents vote to elect the area’s first Mayor in May 2027.

With all three councils in agreement, formal consent can now be confirmed with the Secretary of State, which will enable the government to move forward with legislation to formally establish the new Mayoral Combined Authority over the next few months.

Once established – potentially as early as February 2026 – the Cheshire and Warrington Mayoral Combined Authority will have greater control over key areas such as transport, housing, skills, and economic growth, while unlocking access to significant new funding and investment opportunities.

In a joint statement, the leaders of the three councils – Cheshire East, Cheshire West and Chester, and Warrington – said: “We’re proud to have reached this important milestone together. This decision represents a united commitment to securing a better future for Cheshire and Warrington.

“Devolution gives us a real opportunity to make decisions locally, based on the needs and ambitions of our communities and businesses – whether that’s improving transport, delivering more affordable homes, growing our local economy, or investing in the skills our residents need.”

The move has received backing from business, with the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) noting that the move will give local authorities more power to get things done and attract investment to the region.

The CBI noted that Cheshire and Warrington will join a growing list of successful mayoral combined authorities in the North-West, including Greater Manchester and the Liverpool City Region.

“These areas have demonstrated how devolved powers can drive innovation, attract investment, and deliver tangible improvements in both infrastructure and quality of life. Their success stories offer a compelling blueprint for Cheshire and Warrington’s future.

“The CBI is a longstanding supporter of English devolution, and we welcome this important step forward. We have seen across the country that strategic decisions on economic growth are best made by those closest to the point of impact.”