A Devolution deal for Cheshire and Warrington

The Government has confirmed that Cheshire and Warrington has been accepted as part of that Devolution Priority Programme.

At this stage, this is not confirmation of a devolution agreement as a formal signoff by the political leadership of all three Councils.

It would also follow a process of engagement with residents, communities and businesses across Cheshire and Warrington. At its heart, devolution recognises that every region is unique; and local people are in the best position to decide what would make the biggest and most positive difference to their local area.

With that in mind, it’s really important that the views and aspirations of those who live and work here have a say in the part devolution can play for our economy and future growth.

A key message is that devolution is not about merging Councils. A Mayoral Combined Authority has powers and functions passed down (or devolved) to it, which currently sit within national government, along with the financial investment required to deliver them.

A devolution deal would be about transferring power from Whitehall to Cheshire and Warrington; meaning local leaders can make important decisions about our area which matter most to our residents, communities and businesses. Local councils will keep their responsibilities - delivering services as they do now - but will also work together with a new Mayor to unlock investment and drive growth.

Having a regional body also helps to facilitate greater collaboration between Councils on key issues such as transport, housing, skills and infrastructure, which would benefit from a more joined-up approach.

While any devolution agreement would provide the tools to help unlock the significant potential and ambitions we have here in Cheshire and Warrington, we wouldn’t expect to see big changes overnight. Most of the priorities of any Combined Authority are long-term, and they would take time to drive forward and deliver.

As further discussions progress the Council will be seeking views from businesses to shape future priorities and provide input into any future plans.

To keep up to date with progress visit www.cheshireandwarringtondevolution.com

Cheshire West & Chester Council team up with Cheshire and Wirral Partnership to provide early access to mental health support

The Council, alongside Cheshire and Wirral Partnership, are jointly funding a programme of courses aimed at helping people with their mental health across the borough.

The aim is to provide early access to mental health support in local communities so that people who are living with poor mental health receive help to recover before their mental health deteriorates further.

This approach is about equipping people with the tools they need to recognise when they are struggling with their mental health and know how to manage it so that they can live great lives and avoid crises. There is evidence that in some cases, this approach can remove the need for formal intervention or more invasive therapies. The offer is for all residents in our borough who may need low level support with their mental health.