The long road to wresting some decision making powers away from the Westminster Government back to the West Midlands moved into Walsall Council Chamber on Tuesday (6th Dec 2016) as Councillors met to discuss the small print in the legislation needed to enable the West Midlands Combined Authority led by a Metro Mayor to become law.

The process of creating a Combined Authority for the West Midlands began almost 3 years age. Each of the seven metropolitan councils across the region Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall and Wolverhampton need to agree in order to be included in the benefits of having a say in how £8 bn will be invested over the next 30 years.

Speaking in favour of devolving power to the region Liberal Democrat Group Leader Cllr Ian Shires said:

“Our views on Devolution are well documented and well known, but just in case you have missed what we have had to say on the subject I will repeat it.

“We would welcome the creation of a Federal United Kingdom where England would enjoy the same rights as the Scots and the Welsh and those living in Northern Ireland, a United Kingdom where the regions of England would get a real say in their futures.

“Unfortunately even though we had a dramatic victory in last weeks Richmond by-election we still have some way to go before we achieve this level of democracy.

“In the meantime we will have to make do with what is on the table. It might not be what we would have liked but it is the only kid on the block and as such is a step in the right direction.

“The West Midlands Combined Authority is the biggest of its kind in the country; it is the only kid on the block and it will lever in £8bn of inward investment into the area over the next 30 years.

“So, if you believe in decisions about the future of the West Midlands being made by the people of the West Midlands, then you need to support this recommendation tonight.

“If you don’t, you will have said No to inward investment per year of £36.5 million.

“You will have said No to improved transport infrastructure. If you are not sure what that means try explaining to your constituents why you voted No to improved road, rail and tram links which would help them get to work, school or the shops around Walsall and the Black Country without being stuck in endless traffic jams.

“Explain to them why you voted No to an extended metro tram network. Whilst you are at it explain to the people of Willenhall why you voted No to the possibility of them getting their long awaited train station.

“Voting in favour of these recommendations tonight could also result in some of the proposals contained within the NHS Sustainable Transformation Plan for the Black Country actually seeing the light of day.

“The STP talks about making its four hospitals; that’s the Manor, New Cross, Sandwell and Dudley, centres of excellence, each with its own speciality. This would need improved transport links between each for it to happen. That would require a yes vote from you tonight.

“Sure there are some risks involved in what we are being asked to do, but the risks involved if you voted NO are so much greater.

“Are you prepared to let other towns and cities around us reap the benefits whilst Walsall and its residents are confined to the scrap heap?

“Have the courage of your convictions, take a leap of faith and vote for the recommendations before you tonight.”

On being put to the vote the motion was carried. The three UKIP councillors voted against as did the two Independents and a number of Tories. Lib Dem and Labour councillors voted in favour.

It is hoped that the Minister will now move swiftly to enable preparations to be made in time for the Metro Mayor Elections to go ahead in May.