Member Article

Cheshire authorities unite to attract investment and growth

Cheshire East, Cheshire West and Warrington Councils have formed a joint Economic Prosperity Board to grow the economy within the county and sub-region.

The new body will co-ordinate local authority activities and combine resources both human and financial as necessary in order to support economic growth and the activities of Cheshire & Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP).

The Board comprises the three local authority leaders, the chair of CWLEP, supported by the three local authority chief executives and the chief executive of CWLEP together, when appropriate with the Section 151 officer of the accountable body, and the three local authority ‘economic’ directors.

Chairmanship will rotate as the chair will be filled by the incumbent chair of the Sub-regional Leadership Board. The inaugural chair is Michael Jones, Leader of Cheshire East Council.

He said: “I am delighted to be announcing this important launch and proud to be taking on the responsibility of being its first chairman.

“Let us be clear, this board is not about rhetoric – it is about results: delivering high-quality jobs and significant, long-term investment across Cheshire and Warrington.

“There has been some great progress in the region, with projects such as HS2 rail hub proposals for the North West taking exciting shape. Now we want to help drive further investment growth and job creation across the region.

“This is not just about single regeneration projects, it is also about raising our sights to become both a magnet and an engine for new investment and innovative industries and technology. Top quality jobs in top quality businesses.

“Our message is strong and clear: ‘We are open for business – what can we do to help?’”

Councillor Terry O’Neill, Leader of Warrington Borough Council, said: “Although we may have differing political ideals we are united in our ambition for Cheshire & Warrington and in achieving and driving growth and prosperity for the county.

The Economic Prosperity Board provides a platform for us to work together to realise that ambition“.

Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, Mike Jones said: “Working together is an essential component of driving economic growth in the region and ensuring that our collective voice is heard by the decision makers at Whitehall.”

Christine Gaskell, Chair of the Cheshire & Warrington Enterprise Partnership, said: “The local authorities and the LEP have ambitious plans to grow the Cheshire and Warrington economy by nearly £15 billion and we are excited by what we can achieve by working together through the Economic Prosperity Board.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Simon Malia .