County to start devolution talks 'within weeks'

Councils in Cheshire are set to begin discussions about devolution with the government within the next few weeks, one authority has said.

Cheshire East Council said from initial discussions with Whitehall, it would consider Cheshire and Warrington “an early candidate for accelerated and proactive engagement”.

It also said it would be discussing options for reforms both with and without a the introduction of a new elected mayor.

Housing, Communities and Local Government Secretary Angela Rayner has sent letters to council leaders across the country asking for proposals to be sent by the end of September.

Cheshire East Council, Cheshire West and Chester, and Warrington would all be involved in the discussions.

In a report to be discussed at a meeting on Wednesday, Cheshire East Council said it was “clear” that the new government was looking to “drive forward discussions at a pace”.

The authority said areas that could be included within devolution talks could include investment zones at Alderley Park, Bentley in Crewe and Hurdsfield in Macclesfield.

Earlier this month, Warrington Borough Council chief executive Steven Broomhead told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that councils were “going to pick up the pace” over discussions.

He added there were “very good relationships” between the three councils and there had been “no decisions” about an elected mayor.

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