West Midlands unveils £1.2bn budget for growth and infrastructure
The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) is investing over £1.2bn in 2025/26 to drive economic growth, increase affordable housing, improve transport and provide skills for better job opportunities.
Approved today, the budget includes £389m from the new Integrated Settlement, which shifts power and funding from Westminster to local leaders.
The capital budget of £684.4m will support key priorities such as creating jobs, building homes, and improving infrastructure.
It includes £204m for skills training and apprenticeships, £67.7m for social housing, and £37.8m for energy-efficient retrofits.
Transport is also a major focus, with £554.9m allocated for projects like the Black Country Metro extension, new railway services, and zero-emission buses.
£234.5m will fund sustainable travel initiatives and maintain the region’s bus network.The budget also sets aside funding for concessionary travel and continued support for the West Midlands Metro and Cycle Hire scheme.
Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands said: “Since being elected I have taken action to tackle youth unemployment, secured a £5.5bn Investment Zone to drive economic growth, funded hundreds of new social and affordable homes and made swift progress to bring our buses under public control. It is these things – good jobs, affordable homes, efficient public transport and thriving businesses – that matter most to people and that’s why they are my priorities.
“We have just approved a £1.2 billion budget to deliver on these priorities and make a difference to the West Midlands. This is the same amount as last year despite a difficult economic backdrop. It will help tackle some of the biggest challenges we face as a region so we can begin to change thousands of lives for the better and look forward with renewed optimism.”
