Consultation starts on county's devolution plans

A consultation has begun on proposals for a devolution deal for Cheshire and Warrington.

The area was named earlier this month as one of six places to be included in the devolution priority programme, which will allow it to work on a fast-track deal to get more power from the government.

The government consultation includes some details on what devolution would mean for the area, as well as seven questions on whether people agree or disagree with some of the proposals.

The consultation takes place until April.

The consultation documents said the area had a number of strengths and that its GDP - which is a measure of economic activity - was around 25-50% higher than nearby areas.

But it said that some areas "still experience the legacy of past deindustrialisation" and that there were a number of "structural challenges" for rural communities.

It said it could be well-placed to seize a number of opportunities including HyNet, vehicle manufacturing at Bentley in Crewe and Stellantis in Ellesmere Port, nuclear sectors in Birchwood and Capenhurst, and investment in the area's biggest settlements such as Chester, Crewe and Warrington.

The consultation also highlighted areas where a combined authority was expected to have powers including in transport, skills, housing, economic development, environment and climate change, and health, wellbeing and public service reform.

It also said having a mayor would "give the area a stronger voice within the government", as the mayor would have a seat at the Prime Minister's Council of Nations and Regions.

The consultation runs until 13 April.

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