Council responds to Jodrell Bank funding threat

Leaders at Cheshire East Council and Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority have written to the secretary of state for science, research and innovation following reports of plans to withdraw funding from Jodrell Bank Observatory.

At full council on 15th July 2026, Cheshire East unanimously reaffirmed its support for Jodrell Bank Observatory as a major scientific, educational, cultural and economic asset. 

It was agreed that Councillor Nick Mannion, leader of Cheshire East Council, Councillor Michael Gorman, deputy leader and Councillor Stewart Gardiner, leader of the opposition, would write to government to make the case that every effort should be made to protect the nationally-significant scientific capability that Jodrell Bank provides.

They have been joined by Councillor Louise Gittins, chair of Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority and leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, recognising the potential significant strategic impacts for the wider area. 

The leaders said:

“We understand that UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) intends to withdraw funding from Jodrell Bank Observatory, with scientific observations expected to cease from April 2028, unless alternative arrangements can be secured.

“Jodrell Bank is far more than a local landmark. It is one of the United Kingdom’s most important scientific institutions: home to the world-famous Lovell Telescope, the headquarters of the national e-Merlin radio telescope network, closely associated with UK radio astronomy capability, and part of the wider international science ecosystem linked to the Square Kilometre Array Observatory. 

“Jodrell Bank’s Unesco World Heritage Site designation reflects its unique contribution to the history of science, but its value lies not only in its past; it remains a living scientific asset with contemporary relevance to research, skills, innovation and the UK’s international reputation.

“We recognise that the future of the site is ultimately linked to the University of Manchester’s own medium and long-term strategy for the asset. The withdrawal of UKRI funding does not necessarily mean that all teaching, outreach, visitor activity or internally funded research would cease.

"However, it does place at risk the active scientific function that gives Jodrell Bank its national and international significance. 

“We would therefore urge government to retain the £2.8m annual funding for a further five-year period, while a long-term solution is developed. This would provide the time required to assess alternative funding models, partnership opportunities and the full national value of the facility across research, skills, innovation, space resilience, public engagement and heritage.

"It would also avoid an irreversible loss of capability while those options are properly considered.”