Devolution plans which would see a mayor rule over Cheshire and Warrington have been formally opposed by Esther McVey.
Under government plans the two areas will create a new mayoral combined authority (MCA), which would be in addition to Cheshire East Council, Cheshire West and Chester, and Warrington Councils.
Tatton MP Esther McVey, who is urging others to have their say as part of the current consultation, said: “If the answer is another layer of costly bureaucracy and more politicians, then you’re asking the wrong question.
“This isn’t being done because of a groundswell of local support and popular demand. This is a government inspired top down imposition on local residents who will be asked to dig deeper into their pockets to fund more salaries for politicians and bureaucrats.
“The idea that elected Mayors sitting on top of local Councils will transform an area is for the birds. Just look at all the issues in London and Birmingham!
“All this extra tier does is cost more money and blur levels of accountability. When things go wrong, the councils will blame the Mayor, the Mayor will blame the government and the government will blame everyone but themselves”.
Ms McVey said Labour claim there is no money, stopped the winter fuel allowance for pensioners, has imposed extra burdens and taxes on businesses and “has no head room” for anything worthwhile – but still prioritises unnecessary spending.
She said: “There is “no money” for things that matter, supporting pensioners, supporting businesses and jobs but there is for these pointless pet projects. It is disgraceful. In addition to huge set up costs, the mayor will need a salary, deputy mayors will be appointed on fat salaries as well, and that is before we get into the cost of additional civil servants. All that money will need to be found.
“Then there is the question of paying for the actual election. It’s being reported in the case of the North East mayor, government isn’t funding the election and councils are splitting the estimated £3million cost. I will not sit by quietly and let any of my three councils waste a penny holding an election for something most people do not want. The only thing councils should be spending money on is delivering for residents, not pointless government projects like this.”
Ms McVey said too many people were unaware of the proposed changes and government should pause the process and extend the consultation.
As part of her response, she also raised concerns that a Cheshire Warrington MCA would focus on larger towns like Crewe and Warrington at the expense of her constituency. She also said there was no evidence it would improve the local economy, improve social outcomes or protect the local environment.
The consultation runs until April 13. Anyone wanting to have their say can visit Cheshire and Warrington devolution consultation - GOV.UK
