The creation of a new combined authority (CA) for Cheshire and Warrington which will be headed by a mayor is pencilled in for May, 2027.

Alsager's Councillor Rod Fletcher spoke at the recent Cheshire East Council meeting against the proposed Cheshire and Warrington mayorality.

He was one of the councillors who voted against the proposed plan and here he tells Alsager Nub News why.

"Prior to 2009, I was a Councillor on both Cheshire County Council and Congleton Borough Council. I found access to officers easy and was able to get things done in Alsager. The County Council Transport Committees were excellent," said Cllr Fletcher.

"Since 2009, small towns and rural areas have suffered under Cheshire East with most money going to larger towns like Crewe and Macclesfield. With devolution this could get worse.

"It has been announced that the Mayor will receive £650M over 30 years, around £21m a year for three Unitary Councils split between capital and revenue. No mention of increases for inflation.

"15% of this money may be required to prop up the costs of the Mayoralty. Most of this extra money is expected to be spent in Chester, Warrington and Crewe.

"There is promise of extra money for transport but could this result in Cheshire East receiving less grants for Transport especially buses. We must keep decision making on bus routes local. Most Mayoral Authorities charge a council tax precept.

"This could put pressure on people many of whom are struggling to pay Council Tax especially as Central Government has announced five per cent increases in council tax for the next few years.

"Small towns and rural areas could end up paying yet more council Tax but little if anything in return."

He added: "I am also concerned that with the Government being able to over rule the Mayor it will give central Government more control over Cheshire and Warrington Councils.

"Many people in Alsager have expressed concern to me over what this devolution may cost them.Therefore I will be voting against this proposed super Strategic Mayoral Authority."

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