West Midlands Snatches Historic Devolution Deal
The Levelling Up Secretary and West Midlands Mayor Andy Street have sealed a groundbreaking devolution deal, handing local leaders a massive boost in cash and power. This pact marks the biggest ever shift of funds and control from Whitehall to an English region.
What’s in the Deal?
- A regeneration package worth up to £160 million.
- Long-term funding settlement with local retention of 100% business rates for 10 years.
- More control over transport, regeneration, skills, housing, and culture.
- Partnership with Homes England promising £400 million investment by 2026.
- £100 million for brownfield site development and £60 million for metro line extension from Wednesbury to Brierley Hill.
- Levelling Up zones with 25-year business rate retention to generate jobs and investment.
- New rail partnership with Great British Railways and control over bus service funding.
- Transport ‘sandbox’ to pioneer innovation and support for local business finance.
- More control over adult skills funding and careers advice.
- Funding to retrofit homes, cutting energy bills across the region.
- New partnerships with national arts and culture groups.
- High-speed broadband rollout with £4 million for devices and data connectivity.
Leaders Praise the Deal
Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove, speaking in Coventry, said:
“Visionary local leaders like Andy Street understand their communities better than Whitehall. This deal hands unprecedented power to spend on what really matters – from transport to skills and housing.”
Today marks a bold new frontier in devolution, with the West Midlands leading the way.
Mayor Andy Street added:
“This is a landmark moment. Whitehall has granted us major new powers and funding – recognising the strength of local leadership.”
“Team West Midlands has earned Government trust through delivery, and now we’re ready to show that confidence is well placed.”
“Thanks to the Prime Minister, Chancellor and Secretary of State for Levelling Up for their vision and bravery. Together, we will lift our region’s quality of life.”
What This Means for the West Midlands
The deal gives the region a long-term financial plan and strengthens local accountability. Almost 3 million residents stand to benefit from better public transport, regeneration projects, and improved skills training.
This milestone follows the West Midlands being named one of 12 new Investment Zones, backing local growth with £80 million and sweet tax incentives over five years.
The West Midlands is now at the forefront of a devolution revolution, ready to shape its own future – and that spells big changes ahead.
