Cheshire East is preparing for a crucial vote on plans for devolution.

At the full council meeting on Wednesday, September 17, councillors will vote to determine whether members formally support the creation of a Cheshire and Warrington Mayoral Combined Authority.

They will consider a report from the Cheshire and Warrington Joint Committee outlining the strategic benefits of devolution set out in the English Devolution and Community Empowerment bill, including greater control over transport, housing, skills, and economic development.

If approved by all three constituent councils – Cheshire East Council, Cheshire West and Chester Council, and Warrington Borough Council – a new combined authority would be established in early 2026, with inaugural mayoral elections taking place in May 2027.

Cheshire East's chief executive, Rob Polkinghorne, said: "This is an important step in the process of seeking approval to establish a Mayoral Combined Authority for Cheshire and Warrington, which local councillors across all three councils will give their detailed consideration."

At the Cheshire East full council meeting, councillors will vote whether or not to approve the principle of the establishment of a Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority in line with existing legislation.

The vote marks the next step in a series of democratic approvals required to progress the devolution deal, with confirmation that Cheshire and Warrington has met the statutory criteria to proceed already received from the government.

Votes were also held in Cheshire West and Chester Council during a full Council meeting on Tuesday, September 9, and are scheduled to take place in Warrington at a full council meeting on Monday, September 15.

In line with governance arrangements, further reports will be presented to the cabinet meetings of Cheshire West and Chester Council and Warrington Borough Council for formal approval.