POLITICIANS from Coventry and Solihull are among those named in the Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street’s team to drive the region forward following a major transfer of powers and funding from central government.
After the local elections in May, the leaders of the region’s councils have been appointed to portfolio roles on the board of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).
Coun George Duggins, the Coventry City Council leader, is responsible for skills and productivity and Coun Ian Courts, Solihull Borough Council leader, is in charge of housing and land.
The portfolio holders will work alongside the WMCA’s various taskforces which include groups of experts dedicated to a range of goals including tackling homelessness, improving the fortune of high streets and driving forward zero carbon homes.
The region successfully negotiated the new Deeper Devolution Deal with the government in March.
Whitehall will transfer wide-ranging new powers to the West Midlands alongside a budget windfall of more than £1.5billion to help level-up the region.
New, and significant longer-term funding agreements, including 100 per cent business rates retention for 10 years – worth £450million – have been included in the deal.
From the next spending review, the WMCA will also have a departmental-style arrangement with a single pot of funding negotiated with government.
This authority says the move will give local leaders unparalleled control over spending on devolved areas, marking a seismic shift in power and influence from Whitehall to the West Midlands.
Mr Street said: “The March 2023 Deeper Devolution Deal we agreed with Government represents a step change and opens the door to the powers and funding we need to get our region back on track post pandemic.
“Local leaders – enabled by our newfound financial autonomy and decision making authority – are best placed to take action for the benefit of local people.
“With the newly appointed portfolio roles on the WMCA Board, leaders have a great opportunity to exercise these new powers to help shape our region’s future – ensuring all our communities can secure a better quality of life whether that’s through jobs, homes or health and wellbeing.”
