Budget will help secure Black Country's future, says mayor Richard Parker

Mr Parker, who narrowly defeated incumbent Andy Street during the election in May, said this week's Budget would end uncertainty about the Black Country's transport network.

The final stage of the Wednesbury-Dudley-Brierley Hill tramline was shelved in July this year amid spiralling costs. 

The first stage of the extension, between Wednesbury and Dudley, had been due to open this year, but Transport for West Midlands said that glitches in construction and rising costs meant its opening was postponed until the end of 2025.

A meeting of the combined authority board approved plans to shelve the final phase of the link, between the Merry Hill centre and Brierley Hill, while the third phase, between the Waterfront office park and Merry Hill was also on a knife-edge regarding its viability.

But Chancellor Rachel Reeves said in her Budget this week that the line would now run all the way to Brierley Hill.

Mr Parker said this was very important for the region.

"During my campaign I said the Black Country was a priority for me, the Chancellor's announcement is welcome news," he said.

"Given the dire funding situation I found when I entered office, it's a much needed boost for the Black Country.

"Transport projects that simply didn't have the funding to complete were given a level of certainty that didn't exist. It's why we have an on-going independent transport review to understand where these projects are, and why they were announced without sufficient funding.

"I've been clear as mayor that I will be honest about what we can delivers and he money we have to do it. 

"I want to focus on communities across the Black Country with support that ensures we deliver lasting change for our communities."

Miss Reeves also confirmed that the West Midlands and Greater Manchester would be granted a devolution deal in spring next year, which is expected to be worth hundreds of millions of pounds.

Money will also be made available to rebuild a 'crumbling' school in Stourbridge constituency.

Mr Parker said he was particularly pleased that the Chancellor had backed his youth plan with funding to get every young person into either work, education or training.

"This budget delivers on my pledge to secure the West Midlands’ future with real investment that tackles the issues that matter most to our communities: good jobs, affordable homes, better journeys and real growth."

He said it also meant billions of pounds for new homes and a strengthened automotive and innovation sector in the region.

"With the confirmation HS2 will strengthen our links to the heart of London, these will drive opportunities across the region and this is what it means to deliver for the West Midlands."