Labour: “Strong foundations laid” as Cheshire & Warrington Combined Authority backs investment, transparency and partnership working
Labour representatives have welcomed the outcomes of yesterday’s Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority (CWCA) meeting, praising the progress made in establishing strong governance, unlocking early investment, and setting a clear direction for the region’s future. The Board agreed key proposals on the Year 1 Mayoral Investment Fund (MIF), along with governance and scrutiny arrangements and the Combined Authority’s first Business Plan.
Delivering early investment while planning for the future
The Combined Authority approved a Year 1 approach to the Mayoral Investment Fund that will support both economic growth and community-led projects, ensuring early delivery while maintaining a focus on long-term priorities. Labour members said the approach strikes the right balance between getting funding out to support communities now and building a strong framework for future mayoral investment decisions.
Embedding transparency and strong democratic oversight
Speaking at the meeting, Cllr Laura Crane (Labour), substituting for Cllr Nick Mannion, emphasised the importance of putting robust governance arrangements in place from the outset:
“We all know it’s important that we put in place robust, transparent and accountable structures from the outset. In particular, I welcome the emphasis placed on the independence and effectiveness of scrutiny. Good scrutiny helps pave the way for effective decision-making. It is an essential part of good governance as it helps improve the quality of the decisions we take, it ensures transparency and accountability, and gives residents confidence that public money is being spent wisely with appropriate challenge.
“The proposal for the Overview and Scrutiny Committee to appoint its own Chair, together with the commitment to constructive pre-decision scrutiny, demonstrates a clear commitment to openness and strong democratic oversight.
“As a new Combined Authority, it is especially important that we embed these principles from day one. These recommendations provide a balanced framework that will enable us to move forward confidently while ensuring that proper checks and balances are in place.
A new way of working for the sub-region
Cllr Crane also highlighted the importance of partnership working as part of the Combined Authority’s Business Plan:
“As a newly established Combined Authority, this is very much a formative year. What is particularly important to me is that the Combined Authority develops mechanisms that ensure voices from across the whole sub-region can be heard. Cheshire and Warrington is diverse, with urban and rural communities, businesses large and small, voluntary organisations, people young and old, public services and other stakeholders all bringing different perspectives and expertise to the table. The success of the Combined Authority will depend on how effectively we listen to and work with everyone.
“I therefore welcome the proposals to strengthen strategic partnerships and establish structures such as the Partnership Board, ensuring that decision-making is informed by a broad range of partners and grounded in the realities of the communities we serve.
“This first year is not simply about building a new organisation; it is about building a new way of working across the sub-region, and ensuring that all parts of Cheshire and Warrington have the opportunity to contribute to and benefit from our shared ambitions.”
Labour leadership: focus on delivery and fairness
Cllr Nick Mannion, Leader of Cheshire East Council, added:
“This was an important meeting in setting the tone for how the Combined Authority will operate - with transparency, strong governance and a clear focus on delivering for residents.
“We are determined to make sure that investment reaches communities across Cheshire and Warrington, supports local growth, and creates real opportunities for people. This is about building a fairer, stronger economy where no place is left behind.
“While this is a transitional year, we are already seeing the difference that working together at a regional level can make, and we will continue to push for ambitious, inclusive growth that benefits everyone.”
Looking ahead
Labour representatives reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that the Combined Authority delivers early wins for residents while laying the foundations for long-term success.
The focus over the coming months will be on progressing funded projects, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring that communities across Cheshire and Warrington play a central role in shaping the region’s future.
