A FORMER Warrington Borough Council leader says public finances are in a ‘dreadful state’ and a devolution deal is ‘likely’ to be the best way of securing more funding.

A motion to endorse the decision to open negotiations with the Government to secure a devolution deal for Warrington was passed at the full council meeting on Monday.

Liberal Democrat group leader Cllr Mark Browne said: “The proposal is warmly welcomed by this side of the chamber.

“It is fundamental that a devolution deal is struck to unlock the opportunities for the largest town In Cheshire to support and enrich the lives of its residents by providing better public services, infrastructure, public transport and job opportunities.”

Former council leader Cllr Ian Marks, Liberal Democrat, added: “Our party has supported devolution for longer than the other two.

“I strongly support a deal with the two Cheshire authorities. An elected mayor may work for large conurbations like Manchester and Merseyside but we need convincing it would work for us.

“Until recently we thought we would have to go down the elected mayor route to get a decent deal, but I take some comfort from a recent interview I heard with the Prime Minister.

“He wasn’t so adamant and as a pragmatist he said he was open to other options, which I assume includes not having to elect a joint mayor.”

Cllr Marks also said public finances are in a ‘dreadful state’ and a devolution deal is ‘likely’ to be the best way of securing more funding.