COUNCIL chiefs remain 'determined in their quest' to secure a devolution deal – but are growing 'increasingly frustrated' with the Government.

In January last year, Warrington Borough Council's (WBC) Labour group voted for the town to team up with Cheshire West and Chester Council and Cheshire East Council in a deal – instead of the Liverpool City Region.

If a deal is thrashed out, the three authorities could benefit from £30 million funding for at least five years, with funding thereafter due to be granted through public sector partners.

It would also have the potential to secure at least £30 million a year for 24 years.

And during a visit to the Peace Centre in February, Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor Steve Rotherham said he believes a Cheshire and Warrington deal has the potential to unlock up to £700 million in extra funding over 30 years.

However, uncertainty has surrounded the move following a lack of progress, with matters, including Brexit, halting talks between ministers and politicians in the area.

But Weaver Vale MP Mike Amesbury has used a debate on the Northern Powerhouse to call for further progress.

The Labour politician is a 'long-standing proponent' of introducing an elected mayor in Cheshire, which he says would give the county 'more of a say' on issues ranging from transport infrastructure to social and business programmes.

During a debate in the House of Commons, Mr Amesbury – who worked on Andy Burnham's campaign for Metro Mayor of Greater Manchester before becoming an MP – said: "Cheshire West and Chester Council, Cheshire East Council, Warrington Borough Council, the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and other stakeholders are determined in their quest to secure a devolution deal, yet increasingly frustrated.

"Will the minister update the House on the timetable for the deal?"

Responding, Jake Berry, parliamentary undersecretary of state for the Northern Powerhouse and local growth, replied: "All the councils he mentions and the LEP have brought out what they refer to as the prospectus for growth, which is looking at how they can deliver real economic benefits for the people who live in Warrington and elsewhere in Cheshire.

"The Government remain open to ground-up locally supported devolution deals.

"I encourage the honourable Gentleman, the council leaders and the LEP to continue the discussions they have been having with me and my officials."

WBC chief executive Steven Broomhead said the three authorities are 'awaiting further advice' from the Government on devolution arrangements outside of the cities, which they 'have been pressing' the Government for over the past four months.

He added that the councils 'remain enthusiastic' about the prospect of devolution but 'require details' of the Government's proposals.