Chancellor George Osborne should give 'greater powers and more funding' to West Midlands Combined Authority, says Dudley MP

Ian Austin urged George Osborne to give the WMCA more freedom over job creation, housing, transport and training.

Last year's devolution deal signed off by George Osborne paved the way for the WMCA, which could lead to more than £1bn Government investment and a metro mayor.

Speaking at Treasury Questions, Mr Austin said he wanted to see a final deal that would devolve 'very significant powers' to the Midlands.

He highlighted the JLR plant at i54, the new runway at Birmingham Airport and the regeneration of New Street Station as evidence of the success of previous devolution to the region.

"The best way to support manufacturing businesses in the Midlands would be to free the region from London's control," he said.

"The region has been stifled by Whitehall for far too long.

"If he gives us the powers and funds we need to strengthen the economy, to develop brownfield sites and tackle congestion, we will deliver more jobs, better skills, quicker transport and new homes."

Mr Osborne said that the West Midlands devolution deal would be 'one of the most exciting steps forward in the devolution of power in this country'.

Meanwhile UKIP has vowed to continue its fight against the formation of the combined authority.

The party has urged people to get involved in the public consultation that has been launched over the proposed role and functions of the WMCA, which includes Wolverhampton, Sandwell, Walsall, Dudley, Coventry, Solihull and Birmingham.

Wordsley Councillor Paul Brothwood, said: "We have been fighting this for a long time and will continue to do so.

"Local people need to know the downsides of handing powers over to a metro mayor and giving more power to a cash strapped Birmingham."

UKIP MEP Bill Etheridge said: "It is vital local residents and business express their concerns during this short consultation period.

"If this comes into force they will see power centralised and large levies forced on small business which they can ill afford."

The consultation is available at westmidlandscombinedauthority.org.uk until February 8.

It asks residents to select 'strongly agree', 'agree', 'disagree', 'strongly disagree' or 'don't know' in response to statements regarding the justification for creating a combined authority.

However there is no question regarding the election of a metro mayor.

The results will be fed to central Government for approval later this year. If approved, the Secretary of State will confirm a formal date of establishing the WMCA – the earliest being April.