HENRY Brooks, managing director of the Tatton Group, has backed plans for Cheshire and Warrington devolution, encouraged on Friday by Northern Powerhouse Partnership board member, Lord Jim O’Neill.

Mr Brooks said: “In a statement which came during the launch of a new paper discussing devolution ‘Devolution for the North – One Year On’ Lord O’Neill suggested that the Government should consider devolving powers to the Cheshire and Warrington Devolution region.

“It is envisaged that a deal would give the area more powers over issues such as planning and skills, alongside a Mayor, to continue the successes of the Greater Manchester devolution deal signed by former Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne in 2014.

“During the event, hosted by the Northern Powerhouse Partnership, Jake Berry, Minister for the Northern Powerhouse welcomed Lord O’Neill’s comments, noting that devolution would be a boost to Cheshire and Warrington’s existing expertise in areas including life sciences.

“Home to large automotive, energy and science clusters, Cheshire and Warrington is one of the most successful economies in the UK.

“It is believed that a devolution deal could help unlock the full potential of the area and the boarder Northern Powerhouse, playing a key role in delivering inclusive growth.

“Cheshire and Warrington is the gateway to the Northern Powerhouse; it is the glue that joins the great city regions of Manchester and Liverpool.

“As a successful northern economy, this is an opportunity to create even greater opportunities for current and future generations.

“Local people know best regarding what we need as a community and devolution will help to ensure that investment, such as in rural broadband, rail and roads, happens in the right place.

“We commend the Northern Powerhouse Partnership for making these announcements and support the comments made by the Minister for the Northern Powerhouse, Jake Berry.

"We look forward to urgently hearing similarly strong commitment from other Government departments about these plans.”

The Northern Powerhouse Partnership (NPP) is an independent body which represents the voice of business and civic leaders from across the North.

The Tatton Group acts on behalf of investors including the Tatton Estate to innovate and deliver sustainable growth with a key focus on the Northern Powerhouse.