November 2024
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This conference examined next steps and priorities for policy and development in the West Midlands, under the new mayoralty.
The agenda included a focus on the future of devolution, building on the Trailblazer Deeper Devolution Deal, with further devolution to combined authorities and planning reform being cited by the new Government as key priorities, alongside the recent publication of the industrial strategy green paper, Invest 2035, which aims to unlock the potential of England’s regions as a core objective. Policymakers and stakeholders discussed the way forward for improving the region’s economic growth, alongside resource allocation and support, as well as strategic priorities for housing, transport, infrastructure, education and skills.
Potential implications for stakeholders and local communities were also considered, looking at key roles and responsibilities, and what is needed for coordination and accountability in the context of mayoral plans.
Delegates discussed increased decision-making powers for the new Mayor, the future delivery of Local Growth Plans that align with the new Government’s Industrial Strategy, and the framework for how government should set direction, parameters and indicators for outcomes and impact. The conference also looked at how to foster sustainable business growth and innovation in the region through new investment opportunities, including the £400m Midlands Engine Investment Fund II.
Further sessions looked at future opportunities of the devolution deal and key challenges. Relationships with central government were discussed, as well as the way forward for deepening collaboration with other major UK regions and within the West Midlands, alongside increasing local coordination on shared priorities and options for forging new partnerships.
Overall, areas for discussion included:
- West Midlands devolution deal and priorities for the new mayoralty:
- direction for local strategies moving forward under the new mayoralty and government
- resource allocation and funding - key opportunities and challenges
- planning: what will be required to meet local and national targets - frameworks for involving stakeholders in the planning process - spreading the benefits fairly across the West Midlands
- housebuilding: practicalities for boosting delivery - options for social housing expansion - approaches to improving rental market conditions - incentivising the private housing sector - tackling homelessness in the region
- collaboration:
- opportunities to work with other regional authorities - effective cooperation between local and national government - increasing stakeholder and community engagement
- improving accountability within the region - considering environmental concerns
- public transport services:
- improving timetables, service reliability, safety and affordability - de-privatisation of bus services and the impact of the proposed Better Buses Bill
- cross-sector approach to regional transport systems - new infrastructure projects - priorities for achieving effective delivery
- economic growth:
- impact of new government policy priorities and plans including Government’s industrial strategy Invest 2035 - attracting private investment and securing national funding
- increasing international trade - supporting regional clusters - supporting SMEs
- skills and education:
- addressing skills shortages and infrastructure needs - improving education opportunities and outcomes - widening diversity and participation
- fostering regionally-specific skills training - establishing industry partnerships and strategies for job creation
- wider national policy changes:
- priorities for the English Devolution Bill - establishing frameworks for Local Growth Plans
- options for the Planning and Infrastructure Bill and reforms to the NPPF - leveraging Industrial Strategy investments
All delegates were able to contribute to the output of the conference, which will be shared with parliamentary, ministerial, departmental and regulatory offices. This includes the full proceedings and additional articles submitted by delegates. Those that attended include officials from MHCLG; Defra; DESNZ; DfT; DBT; DWP; DSIT; DfE; EA; ONS; IfATE; Ofsted; and the Forestry Commission.
