Downtown in Business has welcomed the launch of the Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority Shadow Board — a key milestone in delivering devolution and unlocking £650m of investment across the region.
The first formal meeting of the Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority Shadow Board took place on Friday 31st October, marking a major milestone in the region’s journey towards securing a devolution deal.
The Shadow Board brings together representatives from Cheshire East Council, Cheshire West & Chester Council, and Warrington Borough Council. With delegated powers from each local authority, the Board will lead the creation of the Cheshire & Warrington Combined Authority (CA) — the body that will provide strategic direction and unlock the benefits of devolution across the subregion.
The Shadow Board will oversee the groundwork to enable the Combined Authority to deliver on local priorities, from transport and housing to skills and economic growth.
Following the inaugural meeting, Cllr Louise Gittins, Chair of the Shadow Board, said:
“Devolution offers us the opportunity to shape our future with more local say on the things that matter most to our residents and communities, taking more funding and decision-making away from central government, and into our area.
“As a Shadow Board, we will work together to support the establishment of the Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority – and, importantly, our board meetings and decisions are public, so that our communities can see the progress we are making in setting the foundations for the Combined Authority.
“We’re proud to have reached this important milestone together. We are looking forward to the important decisions we will be able to make locally, based on the needs and ambitions of people who live and work here – whether that’s improving transport, delivering more affordable homes, growing our local economy, or investing in the skills our residents need.
“Importantly, the Combined Authority is a completely different model to the old Cheshire County Council. It doesn’t involve any other authority taking on any debts or liabilities from another council.
“Instead, the new Combined Authority will unlock more than £650million in funding over the next 30 years, which is the beginning of an exciting new chapter, one built on collaboration and a commitment to supporting our communities and businesses to thrive.
“Cheshire and Warrington provides the perfect blend of beauty and industry – and through the funding provided to our area through devolution, we will be able to unleash the its potential.”
At its first meeting, the Board confirmed its membership and terms of reference, received a budget update, and outlined its forward plan. The next Shadow Board meeting will take place on Friday 28 November 2025.
Downtown in Business continues to champion the case for devolution across the North West, welcoming the progress made in Cheshire and Warrington. The organisation believes that a successful devolution deal will unlock major investment in jobs, skills, transport, and housing — and give local leaders greater control over long-term growth and regeneration.
DIB is now urging political and business leaders to maintain momentum, focus on delivery, and ensure Cheshire and Warrington make the most of this landmark opportunity to drive prosperity and innovation across the region.
For more information on the Cheshire and Warrington devolution programme, visit cheshireandwarringtondevolution.com
