Staff events - thank you!
 Thank you to everyone who joined us at Tatton Park for our staff events!
Your participation and engagement made the day. It was fantastic to hear the buzz in the room during our first ever World Café – so many great ideas and conversations flowing! The session featured representatives from 12 transformation projects, each sharing a snapshot of their work, followed by open table discussions and questions. A brilliant way to learn, connect, and collaborate.
Thank you to colleagues who led each session and to everyone who asked questions and joined the conversations.
We’ve also heard from lots of you that you learnt something new, which is exactly what these events are all about: connecting, sharing, and growing together.
Don’t forget to share your feedback – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Cheshire and Warrington Devolution update
Councillors have voted to move forward with plans for devolution – paving the way for greater control over transport, housing, jobs, and investment across the area.
At the Full Council meeting on 17 September, Cheshire East councillors voted to support the creation of a Mayoral Combined Authority for Cheshire and Warrington – a significant milestone in the region’s devolution journey.
This decision follows similar votes by Cheshire West and Chester Council and Warrington Borough Council, and signals strong cross-council support for gaining greater local control over transport, housing, jobs, and investment.
Following these approvals, work will now step up to establish the new Combined Authority – which could be operational by early 2026, with the first Mayoral election in May 2027.
The proposed deal includes £650 million in government funding over 30 years, to be invested in local priorities such as improving transport links, boosting services, and supporting business growth. The proposed Mayoral Combined Authority would represent over one million residents and could be operational by early 2026, with the first Mayoral election expected in May 2027.
Creation of the Combined Authority will not mean the merger of councils – each council will remain and will continue to be responsible for providing important day-to-day services and setting/managing their own budgets.
Now that the councils have all supported devolution proposals, next steps are anticipated as follows:
Late 2025 to early 2026 - Government will lay an order before both Houses of Parliament.
Early 2026 – The Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority is established.
Mid-2026 – The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill becomes law. The Combined Authority would become a ‘Mayoral Strategic Authority’ and receive additional powers
May 2027 - Mayoral election
Launch of our new domestic abuse strategy
Staff and partners come together at Oakenclough Family Hub to mark the launch
There have been some big developments within the Domestic Abuse Family Safety Unit (DAFSU) recently. Not only has the team earned the prestigious Platinum Accreditation award, but the newly developed domestic abuse strategy has now received formal approval from the children and families committee. This strategy has been shaped through close collaboration with the Domestic Abuse Partnership, local agencies, and survivors, and will guide the delivery of this essential service over the next three years.
To mark the launch, staff and partners came together at Oakenclough Family Hub. Attendees had the opportunity to view a series of powerful training videos produced by the team in partnership with a local filmmaker - highlighting the voices and dedication of those involved.
You can watch the video, which includes some of our staff: Domestic abuse - DAFSU full video
Becky attends European Conference on Domestic Violence
In addition, Becky Rendina, team manager in our Domestic Abuse Family Safety Unit attended the European Conference on Domestic Violence in Barcelona earlier this month. The conference brought together experts and practitioners from across the continent - with Becky invited to speak as part of the whole housing approach pilot's development team.
|
