A milestone first public meeting of Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority (CWCA) is to be held at Warrington Youth Zone on 22nd April 2026 – as the region formally marks the transfer of powers from Westminster.
You can watch the live-stream of this momentous meeting from 11:30am.
It comes after the region was given the government green light in March to form the CWCA and take control over powers related to transport, skills and investment including a 30-year investment fund worth £20m a year. The people of Cheshire and Warrington will next year elect a Mayor who, by having a voice on the national and international stage, will bang the drum for a region home to almost one million residents, national strengths in clean energy, life sciences and advanced manufacturing, 41,000 businesses, and a £4bn tourism economy.
Warrington Youth Zone is ther perfect location for the inaugural meeting and region’s exciting new chapter – amid a collective pledge to work with young people and feed their priorities into the CWCA and inform the work of the Mayor following their election next year.
The Combined Authority will bring forward plans in the coming months to invest in accelerating regional growth priorities, business support and celebrating communities and culture.
The CA will continue preparatory work ahead of the 2027 mayoral election and the transfer of powers in areas including transport and skills.
Cllr Louise Gittins, leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, appointed today as Chair of the Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority said:
“The meeting is a momentous day for Cheshire and Warrington, putting the destiny and decision-making of the region into its own hands. We will use our devolved powers to unlock investment, jobs and opportunity for local people and businesses, creating prosperity across our region.
“We want to ensure the aspirations of young people are met. In the coming months we will be exploring ways in which we can give them a seat a table so they can help shape the Combined Authority’s blueprint and ensure the next generation is at the heart of our decision making.”
Dave McNicholl, Warrington Youth Zone CEO, said: “As an organisation dedicated to helping young people thrive it was an honour to host the CWCA’s milestone meeting and hear about a shared vision, which includes improving the life chances of the region’s incredible young people.”
Check back here on Wednesday 22nd to join the live stream.