Leader welcomes devolution deal

The devolution deal between the West Midlands Combined Authority and the government was ratified last week.

Dudley Council’s cabinet had given its support to the deal at a meeting last month.  

It means greater powers will be devolved to West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) to decide how money should be spent locally in key areas, such as the economy, housing and employment.

It includes a commitment to retain business rates to be spent locally and to build thousands of new affordable homes.

‘Growth zones’ will be created in deprived areas across the region and local leaders will drive schemes to help people into work and to learn new skills, as well as offering support for businesses.

An extra £60 million will be allocated towards the Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Metro extension, while the deal will also give WMCA control over which companies operate bus services in the region.

Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of the council, said:

The devolution deal is a game changer for the region, giving it more power to make decisions that directly respond to the needs of our communities.

“Locally, this means more jobs, homes and investment for Dudley, with at least £60million earmarked to support the metro extension to Brierley Hill.