Leaders in Cheshire and Warrington have welcomed a significant step towards devolution with plans to establish a Mayoral Combined Authority in 2026 formally laid before Parliament.
The new authority is set to transfer powers over transport, economic development, and skills from Whitehall to local leaders, unlocking at least £650 million in funding over the next 30 years. Residents will elect the first Mayor in May 2027.
The Parliamentary Order confirming the establishment of the Mayoral Combined Authority has been submitted, paving the way—subject to approval from both Houses—for the inaugural Mayoral election. The government has also confirmed that the first tranche of capacity funding will be made available, with £1 million of a minimum £4 million released between 2025/6 and 2028/9 to help set up the authority.
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Devolution, Faith and Communities, Miatta Fahnbulleh MP, emphasised the significance of the development in a letter to council leaders. She said: “Implementing devolution for Cheshire and Warrington will be a significant step in making a reality of this government’s ambitious agenda to widen and deepen devolution, delivering economic growth and pushing power out of Whitehall.”
She added: “The making of this Order will also be a significant step for Cheshire and Warrington, giving you as local leaders the power to make decisions that benefit local communities in your areas, boosting economic growth and celebrate local identities.”
The milestone follows the Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority Shadow Board’s backing of the Sustainable and Inclusive Economic Strategy, which aims to deliver the highest economic and productivity growth in the north, cut carbon emissions by 4.5 million tonnes a year by 2030, and improve access to transport, digital infrastructure, quality housing, and reduce poverty.
Council leaders from Cheshire West and Chester, Warrington, and Cheshire East described the move as a pivotal moment for the region. In a joint statement, Cllr Louise Gittins, Cllr Hans Mundry, Cllr Nick Mannion, and Cllr Michael Gorman said: “This is a momentous step towards devolution for Cheshire and Warrington and our ambition to be the most sustainable, healthy, inclusive and growing economy in the UK. Devolution offers us the opportunity to shape our future with more local say on the things that matter most to our residents and communities, taking more funding and decision-making away from central government, and into our area.”
