Have your say on the Deeper Devolution Deal

The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) earlier this year agreed a historic Deeper Devolution Deal transferring new powers and £1.5 million investment from Government.

The deal will enable more decisions over key policy areas such as housing, transport, skills and the economy to be taken here in the region rather than in the corridors of Government.

New financial arrangements agreed will give the WMCA certainty to better plan and fund the investment needed to create a fairer, greener and better-connected West Midlands.

It builds on earlier devolution deals secured by the WMCA since its foundation in 2016 – these are already making an impact on the region with, for example, thousands of new homes built, trees planted, people trained for exciting new careers, jobs created and major improvements to our bus, tram, rail and cycling infrastructure.

The WMCA has today launched a summer long campaign to inform people about the new deal and seek views via an online questionnaire.

Highlights of the deal include:

• A new long-term funding settlement, including the right to retain 100% of business rates for 10 years’ - giving an estimated £45 million a year to the WMCA and local authorities to spend locally.
• There will be a new departmental-style budget arrangement with a single pot of funding which should make funding projects quicker and simpler.
• A new partnership with Homes England, with a commitment to invest up to £400m in the West Midlands by 2026, offering greater flexibility to drive brownfield land regeneration and unique powers and funding to deliver affordable housing quicker.
• Provision of essential infrastructure, especially public transport connectivity, to give communities access to essential services, facilities, and opportunities. Includes £60 million of additional investment towards the Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Metro extension.
• Devolution of the Bus Services Operating Grant -  to better support important local bus services and reduce environmental impacts through assisting the change to zero emission buses.
• Creation of a transport ‘sandbox’ to put the West Midlands at the forefront of transport innovation, to deliver cleaner and safer vehicles and innovative transport services to our streets faster.
• Greater control over public transport with a new rail partnership with Great British Railways.
• Further influence/responsibility over non-apprenticeship adult skills functions, post-16 technical education, careers and employment support.
• Devolution of funding to retrofit buildings, to bring down energy bills for households across the West Midlands.
• Ways to support the roll-out of high-speed broadband across the region and £4 million for devices and data to get more people online.

The campaign includes a series of virtual events offering people the chance to find out more and ask questions.

There is also the opportunity to provide your views by filling in the questionnaire by the deadline of 19^th August 2023.

To take part visit the campaign: Have Your Say Today - West Midlands Combined Authority Devolution - Commonplace