Broad agreement reached on creation of West Midlands ‘super council’

LOCAL councils covering Birmingham and the Black Country have agreed to form a combined authority.

Such an authority would pool resources in key areas such as transport and regeneration in an attempt to attract devolved power funding from central government.

Authorities in Birmingham, Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton are expected to sign an agreement today which will see a new body created with powers over the region.

Coventry is also expected to join up while Solihull is said to be open to discussions.

The development follows the news earlier this week that a Greater Manchester combined authority is to be formed with a regional mayor added to the mix.

It is understood that there are no immediate plans to create a regional mayor role in conjunction with a West Midlands combined authority.

Sir Albert Bore, leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “A combined authority stretching from Wolverhampton to Coventry and beyond, and from East Staffordshire to Redditch would form the core of a Midlands powerhouse to compete with city regions around the world.”