Cheshire-Warrington’s Path to Devolution
The pursuit of devolution for Cheshire and Warrington has been a topic of discussion for some time now, with Warrington Borough Council’s Labour group leading the charge. In January 2017, they made the decision to align with Cheshire West and Chester Council, and Cheshire East Council, in pursuit of a devolution deal rather than joining the Liverpool City Region. This move was seen as a strategic decision to ensure that the region had more control over its own affairs and resources.
Deputy Prime Minister’s Devolution Revolution
Angela Rayner, the deputy Prime Minister and secretary of state for housing, communities, and local government, has been a vocal advocate for devolution. She has pledged to kick-start a new ‘devolution revolution’ that aims to transfer more powers from Westminster to local authorities. In July, she reached out to local leaders across the country to discuss the next steps for devolution. This proactive approach has been met with enthusiasm from councils like Warrington Borough Council.
In a recent statement, Rayner expressed her eagerness to receive proposals for devolution settlements by the end of September. This timeline sets the stage for a potential shift in power dynamics, with more authority being delegated to local governments like those in Cheshire and Warrington.
Progress and Challenges in the Devolution Agenda
Steven Broomhead, the chief executive of Warrington Borough Council, has been at the forefront of the region’s devolution agenda. He highlighted the significant progress that has been made in terms of negotiating powers and resources from Whitehall to Cheshire and Warrington. The possibility of being included in an ‘accelerated’ devolution program has brought a sense of urgency to the discussions, with an ‘expression of interest’ set to be submitted to the Government by the end of September.
Despite the promising developments, Broomhead acknowledged that there are still details to be ironed out. This includes the need for a public consultation to increase awareness and engagement among the local community. It is essential for residents to understand the implications of devolution and how it will impact their daily lives. Broomhead made it clear that under devolution, councils will maintain their independence and will not be burdened with the debts of other entities, ensuring a fair and transparent process for all parties involved.
As the deadline for submitting the ‘expression of interest’ approaches, the focus is on finalizing the proposal and ensuring that it aligns with the vision for a more empowered and autonomous Cheshire and Warrington. The potential for early devolution proposals to be included in the submission adds a layer of complexity to the process, but it also presents an opportunity for the region to showcase its readiness for greater responsibilities.
In conclusion, the path to devolution for Cheshire and Warrington is paved with challenges and opportunities. The commitment of local leaders, the support of the deputy Prime Minister, and the engagement of the community will be critical in shaping the future of governance in the region. As the ‘devolution revolution’ gains momentum, Cheshire and Warrington stand poised to embrace a new era of empowerment and self-determination.