Devolution: What will it mean for West Midlands Combined Authority?

Although devolution has been a prospect that politicians across the region have been getting very excited about for a while now, the average man and woman on the street have been a little bit non-plussed.

Ministers proudly hail the decision as the first step towards the region becoming the engine of the British economy, driving jobs, prosperity and economic growth. Council leaders have described the move as 'a once in a lifetime opportunity' that will benefit the region as a whole.

But what does it all mean for the people of the Black Country?

Well, in layman's terms devolution frees local authorities from the shackles of Government and puts greater decision-making powers in the hands of a democratically elected metro-mayor.

In this case we are talking about the West Midlands Combined Authority, which features Dudley, Sandwell, Coventry, Walsall, Wolverhampton, Solihull, Birmingham, as well as various local district councils and three Local Enterprise Partnerships as non-constituent members.

It is due to be set up formally next Spring. Council leaders have described the move as 'bringing government down to a local level'.

Once in place, the combined authority will legally allow councils to work closer together on key strategic issues such as transport links and major regeneration projects which cross council boundaries.

Backers of the WMCA say that by coming together the region can build a stronger economy, and as a result provide better public services.

For supporters, the combined authority is a win-win situation for people and businesses. Council bosses say they will deliver an £8 billion investment plan, including plans to build 30,000 homes over 10 years and more control over business rates.

Proposals for a London Oyster card-style 'smart card' system across all public transport are also on the table. The new mayor will have responsibility for a huge budget and will control transport services and a new 'key-route network' of roads.

As part of the deal the Government has also committed to supporting the HS2 Growth strategy and funding the Metro extension to Eastside and Brierley Hill.

The WMCA will also receive an additional £36m a year funding over 30 years to drive growth.

Councillor Roger Lawrence, leader of Wolverhampton council, was among those to welcome the devolution deal today.

He said: "This is a once in a generation opportunity to work with Government to get more powers from Whitehall to the West Midlands and to take control of our own economic growth and prosperity.

"This is about investment in the region, creating new jobs, better skills, more housing, quicker transport links and better public services.

"By working together, we will deliver a single strategic economic plan to deliver the £8bn investment programme, supported by the investment deal and the other devolved powers and resources which will benefit every part of the region.

"On top of the £868m of public and private sector investment either on site or earmarked for the city centre, Wolverhampton will benefit from devolution deal opportunities.

"The deal will see devolved funding and responsibility for administering the 19 plus adult skills budget so that we can match local people to skills and local jobs."

Mr Lawrence added that the city would also benefit from a £200m fund to develop land for housing and employment.

Sandwell Council leader Councillor Darren Cooper said the deal would help to transform Sandwell as a place for business to grow.

"It will also boost the local economy, improve transport, provide good quality housing and bring greater prosperity for the people of Sandwell," he added.

Councillor Bob Sleigh, chairman of the shadow board of the West Midlands Combined Authority, described the move as a 'historic moment' for the region.

"We are committed to building on our strengths, including our exports and our inward investment, and to working towards increasing the £80 billion that the region currently contributes to the UK economy."

John Wood, chairmain of Wolverhampton's Economic Growth Board: "Wolverhampton's business community– large and small – are enthusiastically supportive of these proposals.

"In particular, we welcome the move to devolve funding and investment for skills development and employment which will help local businesses recruit and train skilled local workers, helping companies become more competitive and to grow."

Stewart Towe, chairman of the Black Country LEP said: "The level of partnership between public and private sector, which is unique to the West Midlands proposed devolution deal, is focused on investing in the region, creating new jobs, improving skills, delivering more homes and dramatically improving transport.

Has it received universal support?

No, although support for the plans had increased in recent months. Sandwell Council had been reluctant to the point where the authority only agreed to jump on board last month.

Announcing its involvement, council leader Councillor Darren Cooper was quick to point out that 'Sandwell Council will remain Sandwell Council'. He added that there would be no 'Birmingham dominance' as part of the combined authority. Some expressed concern that the Black Country would eventually become part of 'Greater Birmingham'.

South Staffordshire District Council and Lichfield District Council both ruled themselves out of having anything to do with the combined authority.

Labour leaders at Cannock Chase Council want to be a non-constituent member, meaning they will work with the Black Country, but not be part of its bid for devolved powers.

One of the main fears expressed over devolution is the amount of power that will be placed in the hands of the new mayor.

Meanwhile Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson has said he could block the West Midlands Combined Authority deal unless he is given assurances over the future of policing in the region.

The role of a directly-elected police commissioner could be run by the mayor. West Midlands MEP Bill Etheridge said the move would 'deeply damage democracy'.

Has there been a precedent?

Yes. Last month the Chancellor announced that the north-east of England and the Tees Valley are to each have an elected mayor in 2017.

The deal means the Tees Valley Combined Authority will receive £15m a year over the next 30 years, with the North East Combined Authority given access to £30m a year over 30 years.

The decision was not popular with everyone. Nick Brown, Labour MP for Newcastle East, said: "The ballot in a future mayoral election should contain the option to vote 'no' to all of this. I would support a 'no' vote."

Greater Manchester and Sheffield have already signed up to having a directly elected mayor, while Liverpool City Region announced a new devolution deal today.

What does it mean for our local authorities?

In terms of the day-to-day running of affairs, not a lot. Council leaders have stressed it would not mean the existing authorities losing any control over their duties.

The idea is to create a better working relationship between councils. There will also be no need to create another tier of politicians, we have been assured.

Sandwell Council leader Councillor Darren Cooper summed it up when he said: "Sandwell, and all of the other councils, will keep their own name, their own governance arrangements and their own identity.

"What will change is it will be the West Midlands – and not Westminster – making the big decisions on the things that affect us."

When will the whole thing be rubber-stamped?

Final proposals on how the West Midlands Combined Authority will work and what it aims to achieve will go before Parliament in April 2016.

It must be approved by all constituent West Midlands councils as well as the Government.