You may have heard the word devolution being thrown about recently and you might be wondering what it's all about.

That's a fair and valid question.

Cheshire is about to undergo the most significant reorganisation of local government since the abolition of Cheshire County Council some 16 years ago. Its impact on the future of the Cheshire and Warrington area will be significant.

Devolution discussions have been ongoing for some time, but these have been accelerated since the arrival of the new government.

Devolution will be the norm very soon right across England.

For Cheshire this will likely be May 2026 – when we have elections for an elected Mayor (think London, or Manchester, or Liverpool).

The Labour leaders of Cheshire West and Chester, Cheshire East and Warrington Councils made the decision to put us forward for the priority programme in 2026 – hence the short timescales.

The devil, as always in these things, will be in the detail and so far that's exactly what we don't have.

Yes, we know in general terms the new Mayor will have significant powers around planning (the final say on big developments for example), integrated transport systems and the possibility of introducing a 'Mayoral precept' - which is close to £500 for an average household in London and on the top of your council tax.

And where is the money coming from to pay for the election next May, to pay for a new Mayoral authority and office?

Supposedly government, but the Chancellor appears to be a little short of cash - so some are rather sceptical about this.

The May 2026 election is expected to cost in the region of £1.5 million and potentially it'll be you, the rate payers, who are footing the bill for it.

That's why my party's position is to delay devolution until 2027 – to have the mayoral election to coincide with local elections in Cheshire West and Chester East.

Delaying devolution will cut the bill for rate payers and allow for more time to scrutinise what devolution means for everyone.

What we don't want is another bureaucratic office on top of three poorly performing local councils, or just another hefty line on our annual council tax bill.

We do want a lean, zero tax, well-run Mayoral authority - one which drives economic growth by delivering private investment in Cheshire and Warrington, which in turn makes our lives easier, not harder.

We need a mayoral authority which values and embraces the rural essence of Cheshire and Warrington, building the infrastructure and transport links which helps us get to work, or visit family.

The public needs a mayoral authority which has a long-term spatial plan - not one that does the bidding of government, one which allows the carving up of our Cheshire countryside for planning purposes.

I believe devolution can enhance our lives, but let's be sensible about timescales and make sure we get it right first time.

We should not need to spend years correcting mistakes which residents will be paying for.