Council chiefs from across Cheshire have welcomed moves by the Government to devolve more powers away from London.

A flagship white paper published this week outlined proposals to divert more authority and cash to local areas, providing local politicians with more say in things like transport, infrastructure and employment.

A joint statement from Cllr Louise Gittins, leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, Cllr Hans Mundry, leader of Warrington Borough Council and the leader and deputy leaders of Cheshire East Council, Cllr Nick Mannion and Cllr Michael Gorman, welcomed the development.

The statement said: "It's clear that devolution is going to become the default way of working across a range of Government policy areas, and that it would bring significant power and funding to the Cheshire & Warrington region.

"The white paper provides us with the foundation for more detailed conversations with Government about what devolution could look like for us."

All three councils said they are committed to a devolved model which would see a new combined authority (CA) called Cheshire and Warrington formed, similar to those currently operating in Greater Manchester and the Liverpool City Region.

Each council would remain independent and have their own income from local council taxes, and they would also retain their own debts and financial commitments.

But backers of a CA said it would give Cheshire and Warrington more of a voice on the national and international stage in order to attract investment, while also allowing it to make decisions on things like housing priorities which more accurately reflect the views and needs of local people.

The statement added: "Devolution would allow us to focus on what is most important to us.

"We need affordable and convenient transport for residents in our rural areas and our towns, large and small; affordable homes in the right places, close to employment and services, and a workforce with the skills our businesses need."

Work towards devolution in Cheshire and Warrington was already well underway before the white paper's release. In a major milestone, at its meeting on November 29, Cheshire and Warrington joint committee – which provides leadership on strategic economic issues for the subregion – agreed to amend its terms allowing it to provide oversight and direction for potential devolution.

If all three councils agree to changes to the terms of reference, the joint committee will be able to form specific recommendations about any devolution agreement that would then be put to each council for a final, formal decision.

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