Laura Sharman 21 October 2015

Sandwell votes to join combined authority

Sandwell Council has voted in favour of joining the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).

Last night, councillors voted unanimously in favour in joining Walsall, Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Solihull and Wolverhampton councils as constituent members of the combined authority.

WMCA will enable the councils to work together to secure extra power from Government to develop strategies around transport and major regeneration projects.

Council leader, cllr Darren Cooper, said: ‘This decision is a big step towards creating a combined authority for the West Midlands.

‘The fact it was a unanimous decision shows a real appetite for us to join forces and work with our fellow councils. This will allow us to secure the best economic outcomes and make sure we have more of a say for our region.’

Final proposals on how the combined authority will work will go before Parliament in April 2016.

#Infrastructure #Devolution #Combined authority #Transport

Analysis

10 ways councils are responding to new housing and planning policy

With the Government’s target of building 1.5 million homes by 2029 looming, councils are enacting a number of policy shifts to accelerate housing delivery and increase the efficiency of planning processes.

Opinion

Why upskilling the workforce is mission-critical

Local government’s digital future depends on its people — and councils like Sheffield are proving that investing in data skills is the fastest way to deliver.

Most Popular News

‘Toxic’ 15-minute city phrase cut from Oxford local plan

£2.8bn wages hike looms amid unions pay demands

Reform council chair resigns following illegal HMO operations

Councils targeted by pro-Russia hackers

Councillors urge minimum pension age hike amid cost fears

New Products

Cadcorp launches Mapestry

Bolton Council Upgrades 120+ School Crossings with Smart CMS Control by Lucy Zodion

NEC CONTRACTS HAS GONE DIGITAL: PAPERLESS, TO GIVE YOU MORE

Vent-Axia Delivers Social Housing a Smart Ventilation Solution Ahead of Awaab’s Law

New remotely lockable cabinet will help manage medication for people with mental health issues

UK-first tool developed by Bluesky scores areas green credentials to aid urban planners

New partnership drives improved air quality and healthier homes in social housing

Case Studies

Acrospire Delivers Seamless Heritage Lighting Upgrade on Bath’s North Parade Bridge

Acrospire Delivers Retrofit Lighting for Newbridge’s Joe Calzaghe Footbridge

Acrospire Delivers PIR-Controlled Lighting at Ruislip Lido Car Park

Spennymoor Market Place and Consett Middle Street revitalised using Thorn Lighting’s Thor Lanterns and Customisable Gobo Projectors

Acrospire Partners with Bath & North East Somerset Council to Illuminate Historic Film Location with LED Upgrade

Believ to install 22 charge points across Redcar and Cleveland

Acrospire Enhances Harlington Underpass with Energy-Saving Vandal-Resistant Lighting

Company Anouncements

CU Phosco Approved as a Crown Commercial Service Supplier

Acrospire triumphs at the 2025 HEA Awards with Sustainable Project of the Year

TRT Lighting retrofit helps Lincolnshire County Council cut street lighting energy use by over 65%

Vent-Axia Welcomes Healthy Homes Standard

Vent-Axia Helps Tackle Condensation and Mould this World Ventilation Day

Airtech Calls For Urgent Government Action to Support Radon Awareness Week

Vent-Axia’s New Smart Fan Helps Landlords Stay Ahead of Awaab’s Law

Director of Social Work and Social Care

£100,731 to £104,625

You will join a values-driven senior leadership team, providing visible and responsive leadership. Manchester

Recuriter: Trafford Council

Housing Ombudsman

£130,095 per annum, negotiable based on experience.

The Housing Ombudsman Service allows colleagues to choose if they wish to work in the London office, from home or a hybrid of the two London (Greater)

Recuriter: Housing Ombudsman Service