The Leader of Cheshire East Council has confirmed that he is looking forward to working with neighbouring councils Cheshire West and Warrington on a potential devolution deal for the county.
In response to media and public interest in the Council's policy on a devolved Cheshire, Cheshire East Council leader Michael Jones has issued a statement entitled 'Devo Cheshire' in which he says the Council fully endorses greater control over resources for the people of Cheshire.
The Chancellor George Osborne is inviting bids from authorities who may wish to go down the devo-max route with the deadline for the submission of expressions of interest set for September 4th 2015.
Michael Jones confirmed that authorities in Cheshire have started to draw up plans.
Cllr Jones said: "The Council looks forward to working with its partners in Cheshire West and Warrington to enhance the quality of life for the people of Cheshire."
He added: "This is about wholesale public sector reform to better meet the needs of the local residents.
"We in Cheshire East are continuing to secure economic growth and prosperity for the health and wellbeing of all our residents.
"On health reforms we must work with our health partners to get it right but I am disappointed that given the deadline of September 4 for authorities to submit their expression of interest, there has been no dialogue and invitations have not been taken up.
"On devolution, greater local control and influence over resources and powers to Cheshire is something we are looking at and we are open to dialogue with the Government.
"A mayoral model has not been specifically discussed but we fully endorse the move for elected metro mayors."
Comments
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I'm afraid that being one of the Greater Manchester group of Councils looks an increasingly more attractive option; at least most of them listen to their electorates and act in their interest.
It was a dark day indeed when Cheshire County Council was split.