West Midlands mayor set for £1.2bn Budget boost

The Treasury is this week expected to deliver a £1bn-plus devolution boost to Andy Street, the West Midlands mayor.

Sky News reports that the chancellor Jeremy Hunt will outline plans for additional funding for the region in his budget on Wednesday.

Sky News reported that sources said the plans would include money generated from the disposal of government-owned land, the creation of new levelling-up zones and retention of business rates.

The West Midlands Combined Authority would also take on greater responsibility for affordable housing provision in the region, it is understood.

The package will be part of the ‘Trailblazer’ devolution programme.

The West Midlands and Greater Manchester mayoral authorities are the first two to be designated as Trailblazers.