Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority - Public Affairs and Communications Support

Provision of public affairs and communications support services for a combined authority and regional partners.

• Provide strategic public affairs advice aligned to organisational priorities and emerging programmes.
• Build and manage relationships with UK Government, ministers, parliamentarians, officials and other political stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities to influence national policy, funding decisions and major government processes.
• Produce high quality political and stakeholder communications, including letters, briefings, submissions, speeches and meeting preparation.
• Support engagement with local MPs, council leaders, neighbouring authorities, businesses, universities and regional partners.
• Strengthen the CA's reputation through proactive media, stakeholder engagement and thought leadership.
• Provide political intelligence, horizon scanning and advice on emerging issues.
• Ensure coordinated communications across public affairs, policy, media and corporate channels.

Terms and requirements

Procedure

Direct award

Initial term

5 months

Extensions

3 months

Longest it can run

8 months

Contract dates

30 July 2026 to 31 December 2026

Certifications asked for

None stated

Lots

1

Suitable for SMEs

Not stated

CPV codes

79416200

Services in this contract

• Public affairs and political engagementMain service£60k typicalPublic affairs and political stakeholder communications support for a combined authority

Lifecycle

1. Published
   19 August 2026
2. Contract awardedto CWE Communications Ltd
   19 August 2026
3. Contract starts
   30 July 2026
4. Contract ends
   31 December 2026