West Midlands keen to progress devolution programme new PM told
CIVIC and business leaders in Greater Birmingham have urged the Government to clarify its plans for the formal devolution of the West Midlands.
The request comes ahead of the Conservative Party conference, which starts in Birmingham on Sunday (October 2).
The Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce said it was out to showcase the region’s “innovative, aspirational and entrepreneurial spirit” to delegates.
Chamber chief executive Paul Faulkner said: “Devolution and city regions have finally taken their place on to the Government’s agenda. We hope to see more of this commitment to regional growth from the Prime Minister and leading Cabinet members during their time in Birmingham.”
Meanwhile, Cllr Bob Sleigh, chair of the West Midlands Combined Authority, said everyone connected with the new body – which was launched in June – was keen to get on with the job of tackling economic growth.
In an open letter formally welcoming Mrs May to Birmingham, he said: “The West Midlands has long been an economic driver for both the UK and Europe, and the formation of the combined authority has instilled confidence and encouraged even greater aspirations for the region.
“You urge us to be ambitious and we are. We want to know more about how you define that and we will rise to those challenges.
“Our own vision is an ambitious West Midlands working with government to deliver major investment to guarantee future prosperity.”
He said the various partners had shown they could work together and were now keen to puts plans in place for the £8bn of funding unlocked through the devolution agreement secured last year.
The Strategic Economic Plan, Making Our Mark, aims to capitalise on the region’s strong manufacturing sector, central location and track record in innovation. It will also see the region capitalising on the opportunities offered by HS2.
“I am confident that the WMCA, working with the Midlands Engine and Midlands Connect, can capitalise on HS2 and ensure it combines with our global business assets to create the UK’s biggest investment opportunity and secure the region’s future economic wealth,” he said.
Mr Faulkner added: “‘Devolution and city regions have finally taken their place on to the Government’s agenda. We hope to see more of this commitment to regional growth from the Prime Minister and leading Cabinet members during their time in Birmingham, historically one of the country’s great bastions of civic leadership.
“While Birmingham has welcomed many party conferences over the years, this is the most important to my memory. We have a new Prime Minister and Cabinet preparing announcements and the EU Referendum and Brexit at the front of everyone’s minds.”
