A joint statement from the Leaders of the Conservative Groups on Cheshire East and Cheshire West & Chester Councils:
"Devolution and the principle of devolved powers is a well-recognised ambition of Governments and ‘combined’ local authorities.
The Conservative Councillor Groups of Cheshire East and Cheshire West & Chester Councils have consistently lobbied for a combined two-Cheshire Deal but were overruled. Under the Labour Government’s English Devolution White Paper, we’re now focused on getting the best Devolution Strategy for our councils, our sub-regional economy, businesses and importantly, one that has tangible benefits for residents.
The Labour Council Leaders and Deputy Leader (Ind) have submitted a priority devolution request to Government, to establish a Mayoral Strategic Authority by May 2026, waxing lyrical about the significant powers and funding that devolution may bring. However, there is much work to be done (and the devil is in the detail). Elected members only received their first formal briefing on these proposals last week and were not included in the discussions that preceded them.
This week, Cheshire East Council also applied to Government for Exceptional Financial Support (EFS) to balance this year’s budget and for an additional 5% “Excessive Council Tax” on top of the 5% already proposed for next year. Warrington Council is still subject to a “Best Value Inspection” that runs until the end of January.
We’ve therefore submitted a separate letter to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), confirming our support in principle but also our deep concerns that our Councils have neither the operational capacity nor the financial sustainability to deliver an effective devolution programme in time for mayoral elections in 2026.
We’ve asked that MHCLG consider Cheshire & Warrington as a realistic geography for a devolved combined authority with an elected mayor but offer an additional 12 months to hold Mayoral Elections in 2027. This offers a more realistic time-scale to develop our devolved economic strategies, whilst ensuring we build essential capacity at strategic, sub-regional and local authority levels to get the job done well and most importantly, to get back “on track” for financial sustainability.
Labour’s enthusiasm is understood but must be tempered by pragmatism to ensure we deliver the best solution for our residents. In this context, “less haste will definitely result in more speed”.
Cllr Janet Clowes: Conservative Group Leader – Cheshire East Council
Cllr Adrian Waddelove: Conservative Group Leader – Cheshire West & Chester Council
