Following the Cities and Local Government Devolution Act of 2016, six regional mayors are now responsible for running broad regions of the UK; taking a different, more strategic role to those sat at the top of city councils.
On 4th May 2016 the West Midlands elected Andy Street, former Managing Director of John Lewis, to take charge of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA). As the leader of the WMCA, Street is responsible for devolved powers in transport, economic development and regeneration policy for the region.
Transport for West Midlands, an arm of the combined authority is now responsible for our road, rail bus and metro transportation within the region, having similar powers to that of Transport for Greater Manchester or Transport for London. Street will oversee a £4.4 billion fund to help the West Midlands to take advantage of the arrival of HS2, with plans for a fully integrated rail and rapid transit network.
The WMCA’s Land Commission will help to identify land which can be used or regenerated to create homes for the future, considering what measures could be taken to improve the supply of land for development. The commission is currently inviting submissions of evidence, which can be found here.
Perhaps the most visible of Street’s early moves is his Mayor’s Mentors Programme, which is a key part of a pledge to end youth unemployment by the end of his time in office. He believes everyone should enjoy the region’s economic success, and the programme is the first step in sharing this success. Node director Katie Kershaw has signed up, alongside hundreds of other working professionals across the region. You can sign up here.
At Node we are excited at the opportunity that the appointment of a West Midlands Mayor represents for the region. We look forward to seeing Andy Street and the WMCA’s progress over the coming months and years.
