Combined authority to sign off spending plans

An economic review, investments as part of the mayoral fund and costs around taking part in a trade mission to India are among spending set to be signed off by Cheshire's combined authority.

Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority (CWCA) came into being in February and is now set to sign off its business plan at a meeting later.

Allocating £4.5m from the government-granted Mayoral Investment Fund for projects is set to be approved.

CWCA has described its first year as "foundational and transitional", ahead of its first mayoral elections in May 2027.

An initial budget was set earlier this year and the combined authority is now set to sign off an updated budget as well as its business plan.

A total of £400,000 is also set to be approved for an economic review, which the combined authority said would "identify choices, trade-offs and constraints" before any political priorities are set by the mayor.

The authority is set to approve spending £4.5m allocated under the Mayoral Investment Fund.

CWCA is to receive £21.7m a year from the government for this fund - although for the first year before the mayor is elected, this is reduced to £10.8m.

This funding does not need to be spent in this financial year but in a report, the authority said its shadow board had decided a "limited investment" would be a "proportionate approach to supporting communities".

It has not said where the money will be spent but that "key partners" were invited to apply for "limited funding awards".

The authority is also set to approve spending £35,000 towards joining a trade mission with other organisations from the north of England in India in October.

CWCA said there are more than 50 India-linked businesses supporting more than 4,000 jobs in the area, with India representing one of the area's "most significant international economic relationships".

The meeting will take place on Monday morning at Crewe Alexandra FC's ground.

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