West Midlands Deeper Devolution Deal confirmed

Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove and West Midlands Mayor Andy Street have signed a landmark “deeper devolution” deal for the region, marking a “seismic shift” in power, funding and responsibility from Whitehall to the region.

The deal announced in the Spring Budget puts more cash and power in the hands of local leaders to invest in the priorities that local communities care about, such as better bus and train services, skills and housing.

A new long-term funding settlement will enable the Mayor and local councils to plan for the long term, with certainty, and unlock tangible benefits for almost three million people living in the area.

Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove said, “Visionary local leaders like Andy Street understand the needs of their areas better than decision-makers in Whitehall – that is why it is vital that we put more power and control in their hands.

“This deal goes further than we’ve ever gone before. It will give the Mayor unprecedented power to spend on local priorities and more control over transport, skills and housing.

“Today marks a bold new frontier in devolution in this country, and it’s fantastic to see the West Midlands right at the forefront.”

Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands and West Midlands Combined Authority chair, said, “This is a truly landmark moment for our region as this Deeper Devolution Deal has resulted in Whitehall granting significant powers and funding to the West Midlands - recognising the importance of local leaders on the ground having greater financial autonomy and decision-making authority.

“Team West Midlands has worked incredibly hard to agree the best possible deal for our residents having earned the trust of Government thanks to our track record of delivery since the formation of the Combined Authority.

“Devolution is very much a journey and our task now is to work together to show the further trust placed in us is well founded.”