REDDITCH MP Karen Lumley has welcomed the announcement that the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) has reached a devolution agreement with Government.
The proposed deal will give the emerging WMCA, working across the geography of the three Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs), the funding and the powers to further grow the regional economy and focus on the issues that really matter to the people and businesses of the region; transport, jobs, skills and homes.
The agreement with Government will see the WMCA responsible for an investment package worth more than £4 billion to deliver the HS2 growth strategy, with the potential to add £14 billion to the area’s economy as well as the creation of around 100,000 related jobs.
Redditch is amongst some 15 local and regional councils which constitute the WMCA.
Mrs Lumley said: “I am delighted that Redditch is to be part of this new Combined Authority and that this is a historic deal for the West Midlands. We will see millions of pounds invested here in the Midlands with thousands of new jobs created.
“I met the Chancellor last week to put Redditch’s case forward and look forward to working with my council to ensure we see investment coming to Redditch.”
The long-awaited deal means the region will get money to improve transport services, training and help for employers.
In addition there will be £36 million a year from the Government for the WMCA and Redditch will be at the table bidding for its share of the money.
Leader of the borough council, Councillor Bill Hartnett, who led the drive for Redditch to join the WMCA, said: “It’s all good news for Redditch because we are at the table and we are hoping as a result to get a slice of that money.”
