West Midlands Metro Mayor powers branded 'totally inadequate'
The proposed powers of the West Midlands metro mayor are 'totally inadequate' to oversee the new combined authority, the region's police commissioner has warned.
David Jamieson says the mayor, who is set to be elected in May 2017, will have a role that has already been 'reduced to the very minimum' and will not wield the power required to effectively run the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).
The West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner has also hit out at the proposed salary of the mayor, calling the figure of between £40,000 and £50,000 a year 'way below the expected level'.
Mr Jamieson's comments have been rejected by WMCA board members Councillor Roger Lawrence and Councillor Pete Lowe.
The WMCA includes the four Black Country councils and will see £36.5 million a year invested over 30 years, in housing, transport and infrastructure.
