West Midlands Combined Authority: “Trailblazer” deeper devolution deal
“Trailblazer” deeper devolution deal, agreed between the West Midlands Combined Authority and the UK government.
Applies to England
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This deal marks a new chapter for English devolution and further progress in delivering our 2030 Levelling Up Mission on local leadership. It transfers more control and influence over the levers of economic growth and levelling up the Mayor and West Midlands Combined Authority, and significantly clarifies and enhances accountability to support one of England’s second city regions.
It equips the Mayor and West Midlands Combined Authority with additional tools to unlock the economic potential for the West Midlands for their residents and businesses and demonstrate levelling up in action.
Central to this deal is a government commitment for the West Midlands Combined Authority to benefit from a new, department-style single settlement from the next spending review period. This single funding settlement will give them the flexibility and independence they need to deliver for their areas. The government is also moving decisively towards fiscal devolution by giving authorities in both areas long-term certainty over their ability to retain 100% of their business rates.
Our “trailblazer” deeper devolution deals also provide influence for the Mayor and West Midlands Combined Authority over essential and interdependent levers to drive economic growth and levelling up. This includes local transport systems, skills, employment, housing, regeneration, trade, investment, innovation, business support and finance.
As a “trailblazer”, the Mayor and West Midlands Combined Authority have an enhanced package of accountability and local scrutiny measures.