Devolution consultation to close

A consultation on plans for devolution for Cheshire and Warrington is to close.

The government had asked for views from people who live and work in the area on plans for a new combined authority with a directly elected mayor.

Under the plans, the three councils would remain separate local authorities but would work together on areas including transport, skills, housing, the environment and health.

The consultation closes at 11:59pm on 13 April.

The government announced in February that Cheshire and Warrington would be included in its devolution priority programme, for a fast-tracked devolution deal.

Two of the area's three councils have already submitted their responses to the government.

Cheshire East Council said devolution was a "real opportunity" to build on its "strong and productive relationships" with the other two councils.

Warrington Council said it believed the area stood to "gain more powers, more funding and more opportunities from devolution".

Cheshire West and Chester Council has been approached for comment.

But a local MP said she had opposed the plans.

Tatton Conservative MP Esther McVey said she had concerns that a new combined authority would focus on larger towns like Crewe and Warrington and said she would want to see the process paused and consultation period extended.

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