West Midlands Combined Authority expansion plans to create 'super region'
A ‘super-region’ could be created, with Staffordshire and Shropshire brought into an enlarged West Midlands Combined Authority.
The Express & Star understands informal discussions are underway over plans that would see the WMCA, which currently features seven local authorities – Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall, Wolverhampton, Birmingham, Coventry and Solihull – expand to take on more full members.
Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and Warwickshire, which are currently non-constituent members with limited voting rights, could all come on board, along with Staffordshire.
It is understood that talks have taken place between senior representatives from the WMCA and a number of councils.
The WMCA was formed in 2016 and is run by Conservative Mayor Andy Street and the seven council leaders. It has decision-making and spending powers, which were boosted this year under a new devolution deal, over areas including transport, infrastructure and housing.
Under current legislation any move to take in new members would require the unanimous backing of the WMCA. However, this is set to change under the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill, which is currently making its way through Parliament.
Labour has branded any proposed expansion a “democratic outrage” and accused Mr Street of trying to bring more Tory areas on board to help him win the next mayoral election.
The WMCA is keen to point out that no formal talks have taken place, and insist that no expansion plans are being pursued from their end.
A spokesperson told the Star: “Authorities across the wider West Midlands will regularly review their alliances and links to ensure they continue to be best placed to serve their residents.
“However, the WMCA has received no formal application for new membership and no process is underway. Furthermore, the WMCA is not actively pursuing any expansion or new membership.”
