West Midlands Combined Authority launch is delayed after MP's challenge
The launch of the West Midlands Combined Authority will not go ahead as planned today after its official formation was challenged in Parliament.
The group, which is made up of Dudley, Walsall, Sandwell, Wolverhampton, Birmingham, Solihull, and Coventry councils, will eventually take control of transport, economic development, housing, skills and mental health services across the region with £8 billion of funding over 30 years.
Cannock Chase Council is signed up as a member but without full voting rights.
The body's annual general meeting and official launch was scheduled today but the formation has been delayed by at least a week after it was challenged by Warley MP John Spellar in the Commons on Wednesday night.
The WMCA is led by chief executive Martin Reeves and will see the region's first elected mayor take control of the purse strings in May 2017.
