Local leaders have promised rural communities that 'no one will be left behind by devolution'.

Citing benefits going to 'all communities across the whole area', the announcement on Thursday (August 14) comes in response to the government-led consultation that took place earlier this year.

Its outcome revealed that some rural communities in Cheshire and Warrington have concerns that a devolution agreement would focus on urban or high-population areas.

Some respondents expressed concern that a Mayoral Combined Authority might not understand or prioritise the needs of rural communities and businesses in Cheshire and Warrington.

Others felt that local rural communities were not prioritised under existing structures, with people also expressing anxieties that market towns and rural areas could be disadvantaged compared to larger towns and cities.

Cheshire and Warrington's leaders seek to ensure the benefits of devolution are felt by all communities across the area.

Councillor Louise Gittins, leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, leader and deputy leader of Cheshire East Council, councillor Nick Mannion and councillor Michael Gorman, and councillor Hans Mundry, leader of Warrington Borough Council, responded to these concerns in a joint statement.

"We're backing devolution because we are confident that it will bring enormous benefits for the whole of Cheshire and Warrington," they said.

"We're listening to the feedback we've had so far, and we're committed to ensuring that devolution will bring benefits to all areas – including our local rural communities.

"Devolution for our area means giving every corner of Cheshire and Warrington – from vibrant towns to rural hamlets – the power to shape its own destiny.

"This is more than just a governance change – it's a truly transformative moment in our collective history.

"We're ready to invest in our people, businesses and public services, and stand up for all our communities to ensure that no one will be left behind by any future changes to our area.

"We will work tirelessly to ensure that the benefits of devolution will be felt by all communities across the whole area."

Outline plans to set up a Mayoral Combined Authority and hold mayoral elections in May 2027 are due to be voted on by Cheshire East Council, Cheshire West and Chester Council and Warrington Borough Council in September.

Devolution would see Cheshire East, Cheshire West and Chester and Warrington councils become part of a new devolved combined authority.

If approved, it would mean more local control over the economy and regeneration funds.

Sarah Callander Beckett, chair of the Cheshire and Warrington Rural Strategy Group, said: "There is so much potential in the Cheshire and Warrington economy, particularly within our rural communities, but local businesses like mine need support and I think devolution will deliver that.

"Businesses and communities in our rural areas area must be included to enable them to develop, grow and thrive.

"We must be supportive to reap the benefits devolution can bring."

For more information about the Cheshire and Warrington devolution programme, visit here.