This agreement is worth over £40 million a year and lasts for 30 years. A condition of the agreement is the election of a West Midlands metro-mayor.
Cllr Bob Sleigh said: “This is a momentous day for Solihull and the West Midlands region as a whole. For the first time in a generation powers and proper long-term funding are being devolved from Westminster to the region. The Agreement on the table provides a fantastic opportunity for Solihull to benefit from an ‘economic plus’ perspective, getting Solihull projects delivered faster than if the borough went it alone. I recognise the imposition of a West Midlands metro-mayor is not to everyone’s taste, but I feel in light of the deal this is acceptable, particularly given the limited nature of such an elected mayor’s powers over the region."
Caroline Spelman MP added: “I welcome today’s landmark deal, which will see a total £8 billion investment in our region over the next 30 years. Since this project was first conceived, Solihull Council leader, Cllr Bob Sleigh, has worked tirelessly to ensure that local residents get the best possible deal through this regional devolution package, and I applaud his success.”