October 2023
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This conference examined the future of devolution in the West Midlands, following the announcement of plans for extended powers for the WMCA in the Spring Budget.
It brought stakeholders and policymakers together to discuss how the new powers and funding envisioned in the Trailblazer devolution deal for the West Midlands will be approached, and what it could mean for the region, including for services, skills, housing, and transport.
Following government confirmation of 100% business rate retention for 10 years by the WMCA and the move to a single pot funding system negotiated with government, delegates assessed next steps for enhancing business opportunities and growth under the deal, as well as spreading the benefits fairly across the West Midlands.
Those attending also assessed priorities for improving accountability in the region and the impact of new quarterly panels, in which local MPs scrutinise the Combined Authority Mayor and portfolio holders.
Further sessions looked more widely at what the Trailblazer status of the West Midlands deal means for other regions in England and the future of devolution deals.
We are pleased to have been able to include keynote sessions with Laura Shoaf, Chief Executive, West Midlands Combined Authority; Professor Paul Noon, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Coventry University; and Andrew Bostock, Senior Partner, KPMG.
Overall, sessions in the agenda included:
- examining the devolution deal: key issues and opportunities for the West Midlands
- use of funding: housing - regeneration - environmental improvement - supporting economic growth and wellbeing - community engagement - spreading the benefits for the West Midlands fairly
- the economy: assessing business opportunities and growth under the Trailblazer Deal - productivity - innovation - international trade
- enablers: transport and infrastructure development - use of devolved powers for public transport - digital connectivity - use of data - skills - investment
- governance: priorities for leadership and improving accountability within the region
- the vision and next steps: moving forward developments for the West Midlands region - implementing the Trailblazer Deal
The conference was an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who attended from Active Travel England; DBT; Defra; DfE; DESNZ; DLUHC; DfT; DSIT; DWP; GLD; HM Treasury; Home Office; IPO; and ONS.
