WEST MIDLANDS
PLAYING ITS PART IN BUILDING THE MIDLANDS ENGINE Exciting times for the West Midlands, as the emerging Combined Authority for the region starts to gather pace. HISTORICALLY THE WEST MIDLANDS WAS THE ‘WORKSHOP OF THE WORLD’. NOW LOCAL AUTHORITIES AND LOCAL ENTERPRISE PARTNERSHIPS ARE WORKING TOGETHER TO ONCE AGAIN PLAY THEIR PART IN BECOMING THE ENGINE OF THE BRITISH ECONOMY, DRIVING JOBS, PROSPERITY AND ECONOMIC GROWTH.
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AROUND THE REGION
And the good news is that in a recent survey into the proposed West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) between 60% and 72% of people agreed or strongly agreed that: • by working together local authorities in the West Midlands would deliver improvements in economic development, regeneration and transport • better coordination of these areas would mean more effective and convenient local government and services • the region’s Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) would ensure businesses have a strong voice moving forward, and • neighbouring local authorities should be invited to participate in the WMCA
BUILT ENVIRONMENT MAGAZINE
Councillor Bob Sleigh, Chair of the Shadow WMCA, explains: “DCLG required us to undertake the survey and the responses we received show there is good support for a combined authority. It’s great news that respondents were so positive about our proposals and also that businesses and organisations across the region continue to work alongside us and offer strong support. “Our intention is to work together on matters that cross council boundaries. Through the proposed devolution deal, the WMCA will unlock an overall £8 billion investment package for skills, infrastructure and businesses across the region. It will focus on the issues that really matter to the people of the West Midlands; growth, jobs, skills, transport and homes. It will also recognise that economic growth for the region is part of the wider Midlands Engine and that we will be able to play a major part in rebalancing the national economy.”