Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence from Members.

Apologie for absence were received from Councillors Michael Gorman and Hans Mundry. Councillors Mark Goldmsith and Denis Matthews were present as substitues.

To provide an opportunity for Members and Officers to declare any disclosable pecuniary, other registerable interests, and non-registerable interests in any item on the agenda.

There were no declarations of interest.

To approve the minutes of the meetings held on 16 May 2025 and 30 May 2025 respectively.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the previous meetings held on 16 May 2025 and 30 May 2025 be approved as a correct record.

In accordance with Cheshire East Council’s Committee Procedural Rules and Appendix on public speaking, a total period of 15 minutes is allocated for members of the public to put questions to the Joint Committee on any matter relating to this agenda.  Each member of the public will be allowed up to two minutes each to speak, and the Chair will have discretion to vary this where they consider it appropriate.

Members of the public wishing to ask a question at the meeting should provide at least three clear working days’ notice in writing in advance of the meeting and should include the question with that notice. This will enable an informed answer to be given.

The public speaking procedure was noted. There were no public speakers.

To receive a report which outlines a programme of work which supports economic development across Cheshire and Warrington.

Members received a report concerning the programme of work which supported economic development across Cheshire and Warrington, from Councillor Shore.

Members were updated that the government launched a “Get Britain Working” White Paper on 26 November 2024, which outlined how it would get economically inactive adults to gain and sustain employment, aiming towards a national employment rate of 80%, and a recommendation of the paper was for each local area to produce its own plan of what it wished to achieve.

It was noted that the plan would outline the vision for Cheshire and Warrington and the short-term priorities; and would work closely with the Cheshire and Merseyside Integrated Care Board (ICB). The project would be coordinated by Cheshire West and Chester Council, and a Cheshire and Warrington Task Group, which contained representatives from the three local authorities, the Department for Work and Pensions, the ICB and Enterprise Cheshire and Warrington would be set up. It was noted that the high-level priorities document would be shared with stakeholders over the coming months to ensure that it met the needs of all. The final plan was required to be submitted by the end of September 2025.

It was noted that there were key issues identified which impact employment, and trade unions were interested to be involved in the project.

RESOLVED:

That the Cheshire and Warrington Joint Committee agree to:

1. Note the information in this report.

2. Note and confirm that Cheshire West and Chester Council (as recommended by Growth Directors) will:

a. Accept the £150,000 from DWP to develop and publish the Get Cheshire and Warrington Working Plan.

b. Lead on the development, stakeholder engagement and submission of a Get

Cheshire and Warrington Working Plan to DWP, working in partnership with a commissioned appropriate consultancy service.

c. Act as Lead and Accountable Body for the new Get Cheshire and Warrington

Working programme, an activity that directly responds to an identified economic priority of the sub-region.

To receive a report which informs the Joint Committee of recent Government policy and strategic announcements since early June 2025, specifically highlighting potential economic growth and devolution impacts and opportunities for Cheshire and Warrington.

Members received a report which informed them of recent government policy and strategic announcements which highlighted potential economic growth and devolution impacts and opportunities for Cheshire and Warrington, from Councillor Mannion.

Members were updated that:

·         On 11 June 2025 the government had concluded its multi-year spending review which outlined the focus of government investment up to 2030 and set out the trigger for key national strategies and a number of investment packages announced were specifically focussed on devolved areas.

·         The government had committed to support “High Potential Sectors and Clusters” across the country, which would be of interest to Cheshire and Warrington.

·         The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill was introduced on 10 July 2025, which builds on the English Devolution White Paper and sets out how the government intends to provide the tools to deliver devolution.

·         Subject to relevant Council approves, Cheshire and Warrington would be set to become a Mayoral Combined Authority in 2026, with a Mayoral election in May 2027, shifting to a Mayoral Strategic Authority in 2026.

·         It was likely that from May 2027, the voting system for Mayoral elections would be via a supplementary vote system.

·         It was noted that a 30-year investment fund, as well a greater control of existing funds was likely to be available to Cheshire and Warrington.

It was noted that there could be issues surrounding the borders of Cheshire Police and other blue-light services with regards to the boundary of Cheshire and Warrington.  

RESOLVED:

That the Cheshire and Warrington Joint Committee agree to:

1. Note the latest developments in UK policy and investment linked to economic growth and devolution.

2. Note the potential impacts for future economic growth planning and devolution in Cheshire and Warrington, with further detailed reports to follow as subsequent work develops.

To receive a report which informs the Joint Committee, in its role as the overarching Devolution Programme Board, of progress against the agreed Devolution Programme and budget.

Members received a report which informed them of the Joint Committee’s its role as the overarching Devolution Programme Board and its progress against the agreed Devolution Programme and budget, from Councillor Gittins.

Members were updated that, on 17 July 2025, Cheshire and Warrington passed the statutory tests and were able to progress towards individual council decisions at Council meeting in September 2025, ahead of the Mayoral Combined Authority being set up in early 2026, with Mayoral elections in May 2027.

It was noted that the first Workboard Engagement meeting was held on 11 July 2025 with Union and local authority HR attendees.

Members were updated that a PR campaign had been undertaken, a devolution ambassador programme had been launched, social media campaigns, and work with an agency to improve community engagement were underway, which had resulted in widespread outreach. It was noted that there would be a further PR campaign ahead of Council meetings in September 2025.

It was noted that officers were working to minimise spend on the programme, and working closely with the Ministry oh Housing, Community and Local Governments ahead of Council decisions in September 2025.

It was noted that Unison had concerns which would be followed up outside of the meeting.

RESOLVED:

That the Cheshire and Warrington Joint Committee agree to:

1. Note the latest overall anticipated timeline, including local decision making, of the Devolution Priority Programme in Cheshire and Warrington.

2. Note progress against programme delivery – including latest budget position and risk register.

3. Consider the Ministerial statement relating to the Devolution Priority Programme that was made on 17th July 2025 (the date of publication of this report).

To receive an update and seek direction on the Cheshire and Warrington Joint Committee Forward Plan.

RESOLVED:

That the reports on the Forward Plan be adopted and approved.