West Midlands close to devolution deal – report

A REPORT in the Financial Times has said that the West Midlands Combined Authority is close to agreeing a devolution deal with the Government.

But the newspaper said it is holding out for a better deal arguing that a combined authority which represents seven councils requires more than the £900m said to be on offer.

Any deal is contingent on the area agreeing to an elected ‘metro mayor’.

Liverpool has become the latest city region to agree a devolution deal which will see it given increased powers over its own destiny and control over spending in areas such as infrastructure development.

The FT suggests the West Midlands deal could be finalised in the next week.