Telford & Wrekin Council to seek link to West Midlands engine for economic growth

Telford & Wrekin Council is seeking to become one of the first authorities to seek a formal link to the Midlands engine for economic growth – as a “non-constituent member” of the West Midlands Combined Authority.

As a “non-constituent” member, Telford & Wrekin Council would remain independent, retaining all its current powers and would not come under the remit of any West Midland Mayor.

The borough would also remain in the Marches Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) through which the area has already benefited from over £19m of investment.

Telford is a major economic force in the West Midlands with the most ‘ready to go’ development land in the region and high aspirations to create more jobs, better paid jobs, support business growth and continue to reduce unemployment.

If approved by the Council’s cabinet on Thursday October 6, non constituent membership of the West Midlands Combined Authority will open up potential opportunities to retain more business rates resulting in millions to reinvest, attract new inward investment and improve the ability of local young people to fill jobs.

It will also give Telford & Wrekin Council the best chance of negotiating and agreeing its devolution proposal.

The Combined Authority consists of seven authorities which are Birmingham, Walsall, Wolverhampton, Sandwell, Solihull, Dudley and Coventry. The Government is seeking to devolve more powers to the regions and has made a commitment to negotiate a devolution deal with the West Midlands Combined Authority.

This will see the authority control decision making and investment into economic development, transport infrastructure and skills.

Earlier this month, the Council submitted its own devolution bid to the Treasury and has designated the borough as an enterprise area – Enterprise Telford.

This move would put the borough very close to the decisions that will shape the region’s competitiveness and support the delivery or our local devolution deal.

Council leader Councillor Kuldip Sahota said: “Telford and Wrekin is one of the region’s fastest growing economies.

“Being a non constituent member of the West Midlands Combined Authority would give us the influence we need and retain our independence without giving up any of our powers.

“This is simply too great an opportunity for the borough to miss – it would allow us to negotiate and agree our devolution proposals; opportunities to retain more business rates, which could result in millions to reinvest here in the borough.

“It would allow the council to work closely with partners in the West Midlands as well as the Marches LEP for the good of our borough focussing on those issue that business tell us are most important to them - transport, roads, skills, employment, inward investment.”

Paul Hinkins, the chairman of Telford Business Board, said: “I fully support Telford & Wrekin Council establishing links with the West Midlands Combined Authority which will open up new opportunities for the borough’s business community and ensure local companies can access new market opportunities, investment and supply chain links.

“Telford is a major economic force in the Marches LEP and the West Midlands and I share the council’s aim to create more jobs, raise skill levels and attract further inward investment.

“The government has recognised the Midlands as an engine for growth and it is key that Telford is able to influence and benefit from the investment that this will bring.”

Chris Scott, principal of Telford College of Arts and Technology, said: “We fully support the borough working more closely with the West Midlands Combined Authority and the potential for this to bring significant investment in local skills.

“TCAT is already working closely with the University of Wolverhampton, local businesses and the council to equip our young people for the jobs needed by existing businesses and new investors – this opportunity can only drive that forward.”

Councillor Bob Sleigh, chairman of the Shadow Board for the West Midlands Combined Authority, said: “We are delighted that Telford & Wrekin Council is looking to come on board with our emerging West Midlands Combined Authority, subject to the approval of their cabinet.

“We are working hard to make a case to government that our Combined Authority should cover the three Local Enterprise Partnership areas and with Telford & Wrekin Council set to sign up to become a non-constituent member, it makes our voice louder and stronger for the region as a whole.”

A report recommending that the Council submit its bid to the shadow WMCA will be considered by cabinet on Thursday October 8. If backed, the Council will submit this before October 13.