Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

West Midlands Combined Authority: Further Devolution

Monday 24 January 2022 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Liam Byrne asked the Minister about the assessment of the West Midlands Combined Authority's proposals for further devolution.
  • The Minister commended the West Midlands Combined Authority for its ambition to secure more powers for the region.
  • The Minister confirmed that he has read the submission from the combined authorities and will discuss plans in the upcoming White Paper.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Liam Byrne Lab Birmingham Hodge Hill and Solihull North
Local Government
Context

The West Midlands Combined Authority is seeking to secure further powers for the region. Liam Byrne asks about the assessment of these potential merits.

Question

What assessment he has made of the potential merits of the West Midlands Combined Authority's proposals for a further devolution deal.

Answer from Neil O'Brien

We commend the West Midlands Combined Authority under the leadership of Andy Street for its ambition to secure further powers for the region and will be saying more about our plans to strengthen local leadership in the forthcoming White Paper.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific assessment of merits not provided, only a commendation given without details.

How: Will Be Saying More In The Forthcoming White Paper

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Q2 Liam Byrne Lab Birmingham Hodge Hill and Solihull North
Local Government
Context

The Mayor of the West Midlands and Liam Byrne agree on the need for radical devolution in at least 12 areas, from skills to energy regulation. Liam Byrne asks if the Minister has read the submission and when the levelling-up White Paper will deliver these proposals.

Question

Has the Minister read the submission from the combined authorities—the Mayor and the seven mighty authorities of the west midlands—and, crucially, when the levelling-up White Paper is delivered, will he deliver on it?

Answer from Neil O'Brien

I am glad to see this wonderful outbreak of consensus. I have read the exciting proposals put forward to us but I am afraid the right hon. Gentleman will have to wait until the White Paper; however, I will say that Andy Street has continued to bring forward very exciting and interesting ideas.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific timeline or commitment on delivery not provided.

How: Will Have To Wait Until The White Paper

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