West Midlands Bags Biggest Power Grab from Whitehall Ever!
The Levelling Up Secretary and Mayor Andy Street have sealed a game-changing devolution deal for the West Midlands. This landmark deal hands local leaders a £160 million regeneration pot and far greater control over transport, skills, housing, and culture.
£160 Million and Full Control of Local Cash
- New long-term funding settlement including 100% retention of business rates for 10 years
- Up to £400 million Homes England investment by 2026
- £100 million for brownfield regeneration and £60 million to extend the metro line from Wednesbury to Brierley Hill
- Levelling Up zones with 25-year business rate retention to drive jobs and investment
- Greater control over public transport and a new rail partnership with Great British Railways
- Transport innovation with a pioneering ‘sandbox’ scheme and new finance options for local firms
- More say on adult skills funding and careers advice
- Funding to retrofit buildings to slash energy bills
- Partnerships to boost the region’s world-famous arts and culture scene
- £4 million plus broadband roll-out tools to get more people online
Local Leaders Celebrate Handing Power to the People
Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove, speaking in Coventry, said:
“Visionary local leaders like Andy Street understand their area’s needs better than Whitehall bureaucrats. That’s why we’re handing them unprecedented power over transport, skills, and housing – the stuff that truly matters.”
This deal is a bold new frontier in devolution, putting the West Midlands front and centre.
West Midlands Mayor Andy Street added:
“This is a massive moment for our region. Whitehall is giving us significant powers and funding, recognising local leaders must have more control.”
“Our combined authority’s strong record earned Government’s trust. Now, we must deliver even more for our communities.”
“Big thanks to the Prime Minister, Chancellor, and Michael Gove for making this vision a reality. Together, we’ll keep improving quality of life across the West Midlands.”
Accountability and Investment Zones Boost the Deal
The new framework ensures local leaders remain accountable with clear checks to tackle underperformance.
This milestone follows the West Midlands being named one of 12 new Investment Zone areas, unlocking £80 million over five years to turbocharge local growth with generous tax breaks.
The biggest power and funding shift Whitehall has ever handed to an English region is well underway – watch this space!
