Devolution deal signed for West Midlands

 Levelling up secretary Michael Gove and Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street have signed a devolution deal for the West Midlands, giving local authorities more power over transport, regeneration, skills culture.

The deal also includes a regeneration package worth up to £160 million.

New measures that have been agreed include: a new long-term funding settlement, including the right to retain 100% of business rates for 10 years; a wide-ranging partnership with Homes England, with a commitment to work towards investing £400m in the West Midlands by 2026; further support for regeneration and infrastructure with £100m of brownfield funding and £60 million of investment in the metro line extension from Wednesbury to Brierley Hill; and Levelling up zones, backed by 25-year business rate retention, to generate jobs and investment.

The deal also includes plans for greater control over public transport with a new rail partnership with Great British Railways and the devolution of the payment of the bus service operators grant; the establishment of a transport ‘sandbox’ to put the West Midlands at the forefront of transport innovation, with additional commitments to a new Strategic Innovation Partnership and better access to finance for local businesses; more oversight and control over adult skills funding and more responsibility over developing and delivering careers advice; and devolution of funding to retrofit buildings, to bring down energy bills for households across the West Midlands.

Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove said: "Visionary local leaders like Andy Street understand the needs of their areas better than decision-makers in Whitehall - that is why it is vital that we put more power and control in their hands.

"This deal goes further than we’ve ever gone before. It will give the Mayor unprecedented power to spend on local priorities and more control over transport, skills and housing– the things people truly care about.

"Today marks a bold new frontier in devolution in this country, and it’s fantastic to see the West Midlands right at the forefront."

Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands and WMCA chair, added: "This is a truly landmark moment for our region as this Deeper Devolution Deal has resulted in Whitehall granting significant powers and funding to the West Midlands - recognising the importance of local leaders on the ground having greater financial autonomy and decision-making authority.

"Team West Midlands has worked incredibly hard to agree the best possible deal for our residents having earned the trust of Government thanks to our track record of delivery since the formation of the Combined Authority. Devolution is very much a journey and our task now is to work together to show the further trust placed in us is well founded.

"I want to pay tribute to the Prime Minister, Chancellor and Secretary of State for Levelling Up for their vision and bravery in making this deal happen. Together, we can continue to improve quality of life for local people right across our region in the months and years ahead."

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