AMBITION strong leadership and a motivated workforce are driving the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) to deliver real change for its residents and the region’s economy – according to its first Corporate Peer Challenge by the Local Government Association (LGA).
The four-day review, which took place in November, involved more than 40 meetings and discussions with over 170 staff, councillors and external partners.
The LGA report described the WMCA as an ambitious and evolving organisation with a clear commitment to inclusive growth.
It highlighted improved political collaboration, strong partnerships and a renewed sense of unity across the region.
The review noted the collaborative leadership of Mayor Richard Parker and chief executive Ed Cox, and praised the launched West Midlands Growth Plan as a “robust and compelling vision” for the region.
Mr Parker said: “The peer team recognised our ambition, our Growth Plan and the strength of our partnerships. They saw a region working together and determined to succeed.
“But the message is clear – ambition now has to translate into delivery at pace.
“That is my focus – just as it is the focus of the chief executive. We will integrate our priorities into a clear medium-term plan, strengthen leadership, sharpen our capital programme and build long-term financial resilience.
“Deeper devolution is coming. We are ready to take on more responsibility and use it to deliver jobs, homes, growth and journeys for everyone.”
The report highlights decisive action underway across the region, including the decision to bring buses back under public control, plans to expand the tram network and improve regional connectivity and plans to create 100,000 jobs and deliver around 120,000 new homes.
Ed Cox said: “We want to be sure we’re on the right track, so we called in the experts at the LGA and invited them to do a ‘warts and all’ assessment of how our organisation works, our strategy and plans, and our relationships with crucial partners across the region.
“It’s incredibly encouraging to hear that they back our ambitions.
“Along with some good recommendations for how we can amplify what we do even further, I was especially proud that the LGA appreciated the clear dedication that every member of WMCA staff has for making a difference to the people we serve.”
The review sets out clear priorities for the next phase, including integrating the Mayor’s priorities into a coherent medium-term organisational plan and creating a clear and compelling West Midlands narrative.
The authority says it has already begun implementing these recommendations through its transformation programme.
The full LGA Corporate Peer Challenge report is available on the WMCA’s website.
