Combined authority plans dealt a blow as Warwickshire rejects joining the super-council

THE Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership has urged Warwickshire County Council to continue working with it despite the latter turning its back on the new combined authority for the West Midlands.

The county council has rejected an approach to become part of the West Midlands Combined Authority, preferring instead to build up its links with Coventry.

The local authority said it was concerned that the interests of residents and businesses in its rural areas would not be best served by joining the combined authority, which it said would ultimately be focussed on the larger, more industrialised areas in the region.

The decision is a blow to the WMCA and the seven councils which have already pledged their support to the body.

Nevertheless, the constituent members have said they will plough ahead with their plans and their aim to create a united economic entity capable of challenging the dominance of the Northern Powerhouse.

Commenting on the Warwickshire decision, Jonathan Browning, chairman of the CWLEP, said he firmly believed Coventry and Warwickshire were better together because they would be much stronger and have a greater influence on setting the right economic conditions for growth.

“There is no doubt we have a strong economy in the area which is working well with the private and public sector having a joined-up approach,” he said.

“If we remain solely as Coventry and Warwickshire, we won’t have the opportunity to make the most of government funding opportunities which devolution in the West Midlands would provide.

“It is important we try to find a way to tap into the resources available if devolution in our region goes ahead as well as maintain the speed and responsiveness which we are renowned for in Coventry and Warwickshire.”

He said he expected to see a significant economic uplift from the combined authority and subsequent devolution of powers from Whitehall.

“Coventry and Warwickshire should look to benefit from this while maintaining our focus on local issues,” he said.

“There is an opportunity for Warwickshire County Council to play an important role in the development and success of the West Midlands Combined Authority without being involved in all the complexities and consequences of its final decisions such as an elected mayor.

“I am sure all local authorities in Coventry and Warwickshire will continue to work closely with the CWLEP for the benefit of people and businesses here and we must work through any issues which arise.”