'This is so exciting': Cheshire and Warrington's big moment as region declares itself 'open for business'
Region finally takes advantage of devolution with new combined authority - and an elected metro mayor coming next year
By Cheshire Live
The Cheshire and Warrington region has officially declared itself open for business as the newly formed Combined Authority takes full advantage of devolution powers, with the first elected metro mayor expected to be chosen next year. The Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority (CWCA) came into existence in February and has now approved a £3m investment package to boost culture, town centres and community assets across the region.
This funding, approved by the Combined Authority Board at its AGM on June 22, is designed to ensure residents and businesses directly benefit from devolution. The region is preparing to establish a Mayoral Combined Authority in early 2026, with the first Mayoral election scheduled for May 2027.
Ben Fletcher, a candidate to become the first Mayor of the new authority, recently attended a campaign event at the Abode Hotel in Chester. The Combined Authority’s launch conference took place on Friday 26 June at Bruntwood SciTech, Alderley Park, and the event has reached full capacity.
The authority’s Origin programme has the potential to generate £3.6bn annually for the UK and regional economy, with Cheshire West and Chester Council also providing information on the Combined Authority’s priority areas and ongoing updates, confirming the body’s role in shaping local development and planning.