Devolution will bring 'really big prizes' for residents and businesses in Cheshire East, the council's deputy leader has said.

Cheshire East has agreed to hold talks with the government concerning a possible devolution deal with Cheshire West & Chester Council and Warrington Borough Council.

Cllr Michael Gorman (Ind) told yesterday's (Wednesday) meeting of the full council, devolution would mean 'major investments in jobs and skills; fair rates funding, not least in business rates; connecting our towns with buses, trains and cycleways; supporting our rural economy; regenerating our towns and our towns and parish councils'.

"Let's not get distracted or let these opportunities disappear down the road to Liverpool and Greater Manchester," said Cllr Gorman.

"Work together across this council to get the best deal for Cheshire East."

Council leader Nick Mannion (Lab) said the government wanted some form of devolution in place in as many parts of the country as possible within the next couple of years.

"However, the details of the governance, nature of the activities and powers to be devolved, to what are now labelled strategic authorities, has yet to be agreed," he said.

And the council leader hit out at the wrong information on social media.

advertisement

"Some of the wilder, mischief-making and unfounded stories claiming that one council will have to take on the capital programme and debts of another, or transfer some of its precious remaining revenue reserves, exist fortunately only in the outer reaches of the make-believe of social media," he said.

"That is not what devolution is about."

And he urged people to 'keep it real'.

"We need a devolution agreement that is good for Cheshire East, and that is something that I, and I hope every member of this chamber, will subscribe to," said the council leader.