URL: https://cmttpublic.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=2033

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose:

Content: Cabinet considered the report of the Director of Governance and Monitoring Officer concerning the appointment of two Cheshire West and Chester Council elected members to be members of the Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority (CWCA) and also the appointment of two substitutes for those members.   Members were reminded that the CWCA was due to be formally established by March 2026 with the inaugural meeting expected to take place in April.  Each of the three constituent councils must make these appointments and the substitute may act as a member of the CWCA in the absence of either of the appointed CWCA members.   Councillor Louise Gittins, Leader of the Council, led the discussion on the item as proposer and the item was seconded by Councillor Karen Shore, Cabinet Member for Transport and Highways (including Waste).   Visiting Members:  Councillor Charles Hardy spoke on behalf of Councillor Adrian Waddelove in relation to the item.   Cabinet members welcomed the report and the opportunities which Devolution and the Combined Authority could bring to the sub-region. All Council members were encouraged to understand and embrace the opportunities and read the agendas and reports from the Combined Authority’s Shadow Board.  In response to some points made by the Visiting Member, Councillor Gittins reported that opposition Members had been part of a Member Working Group, had been invited to participate in workshops and would have a role in scrutiny and audit and governance going forward.  Members also noted that a Youth Board would be set up to ensure young people were involved in decision-making and any young people interested in the Youth Board were encouraged to get in touch.   Cabinet considered an amendment to the recommendations in the published report, proposed by Councillor Gittins, to include the names of the proposed Members and their substitutes to the CWCA. She explained that in accordance with the statutory instrument for the establishment of the CWCA, the proposed substitute members must be named elected members, and for the purpose of the minutes the elected members would also be named.  The amendment was accepted by Cabinet and is reflected in the decision below.   DECIDED:    That   1)            two elected members be appointed to be members of the Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority, being:   i)             Councillor Louise Gittins, Leader of the Council ii)            Councillor Karen Shore, Deputy Leader of the Council 2)            two elected members be appointed to act as substitute for each member appointed to the Combined Authority, being: i)             Councillor Nathan Pardoe, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy, Regeneration and Digital Transformation ii)            Councillor Stuart Bingham, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Neighbourhood Pride   Reason for Decision   The appointment of members and substitutes to the CWCA by each constituent council is a legal requirement under the Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority Order 2026 (the Order).   Alternative Options   Cabinet could decide not to make the appointments as recommended by the report. If there are no members appointed to the CWCA by Cheshire West and Chester Borough Council on the establishment of the CWCA, it will prevent the CWCA from being legally constituted.

Date of Decision: February 11, 2026