THE WEST Midlands Mayor’s mission to deliver new jobs, homes, economic growth and better transport for the West Midlands has been backed by Chancellor Rachel Reeves in her Spending Review.
Last week’s Spending Review included the £2.4bn announced by the Chancellor last week for new transport infrastructure across the West Midlands, including a new Metro tram route to Birmingham’s exciting Sports Quarter regeneration scheme.
Welcoming the announcements, the Mayor, Richard Parker said the Spending Review was a vote of confidence by the Chancellor in his four key priorities – Jobs for Everyone – Homes for Everyone – Growth for Everyone and Journeys for Everyone
The Chancellor’s announcement was also a personal win for the Mayor who had lobbied Government for extra funding for social and affordable housing and for getting people back into the workplace through skills training.
Mr Parker said: “This Spending Review backs our ambition to rebuild the West Midlands and unlock opportunity in every community. It’s a vote of confidence in our plan and a moment to invest in our renewal.
“From the biggest boost to social housing in a generation, to billions for new transport links like the Midlands Rail Hub and the East Birmingham Metro extension, the Government is delivering the long-term investment we need to grow our economy and improve people’s lives.
“With new money for apprenticeships and skills, this is a plan for better jobs and a stronger, greener future. Billions in funding for research and development will turbocharge the vital work our businesses and universities are doing in world-leading innovation. With help to cut the cost of school uniforms, expand free school meals and upgrade homes to lower bills, it’s a plan for fairness too.
“I welcome investments in automotive, life sciences, digital and aerospace – and a new local growth fund for Mayors. Because business and industry is vital to our region’s growth, these sectors are our strengths and we know that when the West Midlands grows, Britain grows too.”
The announcement by the Chancellor includes funding for skills training and an extension to the region’s Youth Guarantee Trailblazer which helps young people who are not in education, employment or training to get into work.
The region will also benefit from a share of a £39bn funding pot to drive the construction of more social and affordable housing over the next ten years.
The Spending Review also confirmed funding for the next stage of the planning and development for the Midlands Rail Hub. The scheme would dramatically increase rail capacity into Birmingham and provide a step-change in connectivity across the wider region, driving economic growth and thousands of new homes and jobs.
