A major review has praised the ambition and leadership of the West Midlands Combined Authority, while making clear that bold plans must now translate into rapid delivery.
A major review has praised the ambition and leadership of the West Midlands Combined Authority, while making clear that bold plans must now translate into rapid delivery.
The first Corporate Peer Challenge by the Local Government Association described the authority as an evolving, confident organisation committed to inclusive growth. The four-day assessment highlighted improved political collaboration, strong regional partnerships and a renewed sense of unity under Mayor Richard Parker and chief executive Ed Cox.
Central to the praise was the recently launched West Midlands Growth Plan, labelled a “robust and compelling vision” with targets to create 100,000 jobs and deliver 120,000 new homes. The review also noted decisive action, including bringing buses back under public control, expanding the tram network and intensifying efforts to tackle the housing crisis.
However, the message from peers was clear: ambition must be matched by pace. Recommendations include stabilising senior leadership, strengthening long-term financial sustainability and sharpening the capital programme to prioritise deliverable, high-impact projects.
With deeper devolution on the horizon, the authority is positioning itself as ready to assume greater powers — and under mounting pressure to turn strategic vision into tangible results for communities across the West Midlands.
The first Corporate Peer Challenge by the Local Government Association described the authority as an evolving, confident organisation committed to inclusive growth. The four-day assessment highlighted improved political collaboration, strong regional partnerships and a renewed sense of unity under Mayor Richard Parker and chief executive Ed Cox.
Central to the praise was the recently launched West Midlands Growth Plan, labelled a “robust and compelling vision” with targets to create 100,000 jobs and deliver 120,000 new homes. The review also noted decisive action, including bringing buses back under public control, expanding the tram network and intensifying efforts to tackle the housing crisis.
However, the message from peers was clear: ambition must be matched by pace. Recommendations include stabilising senior leadership, strengthening long-term financial sustainability and sharpening the capital programme to prioritise deliverable, high-impact projects.
With deeper devolution on the horizon, the authority is positioning itself as ready to assume greater powers — and under mounting pressure to turn strategic vision into tangible results for communities across the West Midlands.
