A NEW programme worth up to £4.5 million a year is set to launch in Cheshire and Warrington to support residents back into work.

The initiative, called Connect to Work, is funded by central Government and aims to assist 1,300 residents each year.

It is expected to start in August 2025.

The programme will target individuals with disabilities, long-term health conditions, or those experiencing complex barriers to employment, helping them identify their career goals and find suitable jobs.

It will also provide ongoing support once they are in work.

In March 2024, an estimated 18,500 people in the region were found to be economically inactive but keen to find a job.

The Connect to Work programme aims to address these figures.

The Cheshire and Warrington Joint Committee, comprising the leaders and deputy leaders of Cheshire East, Cheshire West and Chester, and Warrington councils, along with the chair of the Cheshire and Warrington Business Advisory Board, will be asked to oversee the programme's delivery at their next meeting on November 29.

Cheshire West and Chester Council will act as the lead and accountable body for the new programme.

Councillor Karen Shore, Deputy Leader for Cheshire West and Chester Council, and Joint Committee lead for skills, employment, and inclusion, said: "This is a really exciting time for Cheshire and Warrington as we continue to explore the opportunities that devolution can bring to the sub-region.

"This new Connect to Work programme is a chance to demonstrate how Cheshire East, Warrington, and Cheshire West and Chester Councils, alongside Enterprise Cheshire and Warrington, can work effectively together to improve the lives of their residents, helping them to overcome their barriers to seeking and sustaining employment."

She added: "Not only is this of immense value to the individuals themselves, it will also help to ensure that local businesses are able to fill their vacancies and thrive.

"This project supports the Cheshire and Warrington ambition of supporting sustainable and inclusive growth across the sub-region."

At the same meeting, the Joint Committee will also consider amending its terms of reference to allow it to provide oversight and direction for potential devolution to the region.

Changing its terms of reference would enable the Joint Committee to discuss and guide a potential devolution agreement with central Government.

This follows a positive meeting with the Minister for Local Government and English Devolution, Jim McMahon, in September to open discussions about a devolution agreement for the Cheshire and Warrington region.

Any changes agreed by the Joint Committee would then have to be ratified by the three councils in Cheshire and Warrington.