Powers have now formally transferred from Parliament to Cheshire and Warrington, following the approval and signing of the Parliamentary Order by the Minister for Devolution, Miatta Fahnbulleh MP.
This confirms the official establishment of the new Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority, marking a major milestone in the region’s move towards greater local decision‑making.
Residents will elect the region’s first Mayor in May 2027, with the Combined Authority set to receive at least £650 million in Mayoral Investment Funding over the next 30 years. This transfer of transport, skills and economic powers from Whitehall is expected to unlock long‑term growth, investment and opportunity.
Over the next 12 months, the new Combined Authority will be built and operationally established. Its long‑term ambition is to transform Cheshire and Warrington into the UK’s:
- Healthiest
- Most sustainable
- Most inclusive
- Fastest‑growing
regional economy by 2045
The authority will focus on improving public transport, boosting job creation, building high‑quality homes and strengthening the local economy.
Becoming a Combined Authority allows Cheshire and Warrington to sit alongside neighbouring devolved regions in the North, giving the area a stronger voice on national and international platforms. Devolution brings new powers and funding, while the existing borough councils will continue delivering local services.
Cllr Hans Mundry, Leader of Warrington Borough Council, commented:
“In Warrington, we can see the transformative effect of investment and better public transport on a town’s outlook and opportunity. By increasing access to good quality jobs and improving skills, we have been able to develop one of the fastest-growing local economies in the country. I am excited to see how devolution will help us to go faster and further than ever before.”
The CWCA will hold its inaugural meeting in April 2026, with the board made up of council leaders and deputy leaders until the first mayoral election in 2027.
A Shadow Board has been preparing for devolution since October 2025, including approving the region’s 20‑year Sustainable and Inclusive Economic Strategy. This strategic plan sets out how the region will boost productivity, support business growth, improve skills, and create healthier, more resilient communities.
Key facts about the new Combined Authority:
- Covers Cheshire East, Cheshire West and Chester, and Warrington
- Home to nearly one million residents
- Base for over 41,000 businesses
- Will receive £650m in investment funding over 30 years
- First mayoral election: May 2027
The new authority will benefit from experienced leadership, including Nick Walkley, former Chief Executive of Homes England, Haringey Council, and Barnet Council.
His background brings expertise in large‑scale public sector delivery, regeneration and organisational development.
The establishment of the Combined Authority marks a significant shift towards local empowerment, enabling Cheshire and Warrington to shape its own future. Through improved transport links, stronger economic performance, enhanced skills systems and better health outcomes, the CWCA aims to deliver long‑term benefits for residents and businesses across the region.
Image credit: iStock
