West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA)

The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) is 18 local authorities, including Birmingham City Council and four Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) including Greater Birmingham & Solihull LEP, working together to move powers from Whitehall to the West Midlands. Individual councils will still deliver services and retain their identity, but on the big decisions the WMCA will have the resources to work together.

Historically, the West Midlands was the “workshop of the world”. Now the challenge is to create jobs, enhance skills, develop prosperity and drive economic growth.

The agreement with government will see it make an annual contribution worth £40 million for 30 years, to support an overall investment package that will unlock £8 billion, alongside the creation of up to half a million jobs.

More detailed information can be found on the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) website.

On 4 May 2017, six regions in England will hold elections to elect new combined authority mayors, including the West Midlands. More information can be found on the HM Government website here. In order to vote in the West Midlands Mayoral election, residents need to register to vote by 13 April 2017 on the GOV.UK website.

Page last updated: 8 February 2024