Cheshire and Warrington councils form joint policy panel

Council leaders for Warrington, Cheshire East and Cheshire West & Chester have formed a new economic alliance following the recent local government restructuring.

Cheshire East and Cheshire West & Chester came into being as two new unitary authorities at the start of this month replacing Cheshire County Council and six borough councils.

The three Warrington and Cheshire councils have agreed to establish a structure that includes:

• leadership board – which will also include Halton Borough Council
• management team comprising each of the four councils' chief executives together with Cheshire Police and the Fire and Rescue Service
• 'working groups rationalised partnerships' tackling problems such as prosperity, climate change and learning and skills
• forum to enable wider involvement from other sub-regional interested organisations such as town and parish councils.

The region's three dominant Government agencies, the North West Development Agency, Government Office for the North West and the Homes & Communities Agency will have 'an active involvement in this partnership'.

Cllr Ian Marks of Warrington Borough Council said: "This historic agreement means that the councils have a channel to more effectively promote the area, tackle common problems, explore sharing services and create efficiencies in our activities."

Cllr Wesley Fitzgerald of Cheshire East said: "The Cheshire and Warrington sub-region is strong and vibrant and by working together we can build on this strength and enable the area to really punch its weight in the North West and nationally. We are also keen to involve business people in this process."

Cllr Mike Jones of Cheshire West and Chester said: "Cooperation between local authorities, the police and fire and rescue services will mean more effective coordination of public services. The new arrangement bodes well for the future and will make a real difference to the future of the people of Cheshire and businesses throughout the county. There has been concern that Cheshire would lose its regional/national influence when the county split. This new agreement will ensure that it retains a powerful voice in this respect."