COUNCILLORS in Warrington have ‘endorsed the decision to open negotiations’ with the Government to secure a devolution deal.

As reported last week, an ‘expression of interest’ over devolution for Cheshire and Warrington looks set to be submitted shortly.

Warrington Borough Council’s Labour group voted for the town to team up with Cheshire West and Chester Council, and Cheshire East Council, in a devolution deal – instead of the Liverpool City Region – in January 2017.

A motion – proposed by Labour’s Cllr Denis Matthews, and seconded by Labour’s Robin Frith – was passed at the full council meeting on Monday.

Cllr Frith said devolution ‘will not replace the current council structure, but empower it’.

He added that it is ‘not just a transfer of power, it is an opportunity to shape our future and create a more responsive, dynamic and prosperous community’.

Cllr Mark Browne, leader of the Liberal Democrat group on the council, said the Liberal Democrats have long campaigned for and championed the devolution of powers from central Government down to local authorities.

He also stated that he suspects ‘ultimately, the devil will be in the detail, but that’s not for today’ and is for further down the line.

The motion said the council recognises that: “Decisions should be made closer to the local people, communities and businesses they affect here in Warrington.

“Devolution will provide greater freedoms and flexibilities at a local level meaning the council can work more effectively to improve public services for Warrington’s residents.

“Devolution will be more effective, better target public services, offer greater opportunities for growth and stronger partnerships between public, private and community leaders in Warrington.”

As part of the motion, the council resolved that the council ‘endorses the decision to open negotiations with the Government to secure a devolution deal for Warrington’.