THE West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) has won a new admirer after Stratford district council did a quick U-turn and on Monday voted to join it as a non-constituent member.
The move, by full council, reverses a decision taken back in October when the WMCA was seen as possibly taking powers away from the authority.
However, with £36.5 million a year for 10 years filtering through from the ‘Midland Powerhouse’ such concerns were put to one side to the delight of council leader Chris Saint (Con, Shipston N) who said: “I am pleased that the ditrict cuncil has taken the decision to be part of the West Midlands Combined Authority and aim to maximising the benefits for our district.
“The decision means that the council will be able to play an active part in the devolution process currently under development. This does not represent a ‘super council’ as each member of the Combined Authority retains its independence and will continue to provide services like planning and refuse and recycling.
“It just means that there will be better collaboration between councils on strategic issues such as investment, skills, housing and economic development.”
The decision means that both Studley and Alcester will be part of the new body and Councillor Justin Kerridge (Con, Studley N and M’boro Green) said: “I voted for it first time around and I voted for it this time. Although there wasn’t a hell of a lot of new information people, who had feared loss of sovereignty have had time to consider all the information and although there are no absolutes of ‘we are going to get this or that’ there are potential gains to be had and I can see no drawbacks.”
Councillor Bob Sleigh, Chair of the West Midlands Combined Authority shadow board said: “We warmly welcome Stratford’s decision. It strengthens our emerging Combined Authority further.
“We recognise Stratford’s decision comes at a time when consultation on the first phase partnership has already started, so it won’t become a member until later in the year. However they will be welcomed around the shadow board table until such time as formal membership can be progressed.”
