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Transport for theWest Midlands?
A West Midlands Civil Society Forum event
Birmingham Friends of the Earth, Allison Street, DigbethWednesday 14th September, 6pm
Engaging communities and organisations in the devolution agenda
West Midlands Combined Authority… it’s fun to be in the WMCA!
Launched in July 2015 with Statement of Intent Officially established (parliamentary order) in June 2016 West Midlands Metro Mayor to be elected in May 2017 Constituent (full) members are 7 metropolitan councils Other councils, plus 3 LEPs, are non-constituent
members Main priorities are Growth, Jobs & Skills, Transport and
Housing, also consider Health and Public Service reform www.westmidlandscombinedauthority.org.uk
What is devolution?
The handing down of powers and money from central government to local authorities, so they can make decisions as they see fit
A handy video ‘Devolution Explained in 60 seconds’ can be seen here
Proposed Devolution Deal between WMCA and Chancellor of the Exchequer agreed and signed in November 2015
Devo Deal 1
Creation of a directly-elected Mayor for the West Midlands Control of £36.5m a year over 30 years – growth funding Devolved 19+ adult skills funding from 2018/19 Joint responsibility for employment support for hardest-to-help Devolved approach to delivery of business support programmes HS2 Growth Strategy – ensure that nowhere is in the WM is more
than 40 minutes away from a HS2 station (e.g. Metro extension) Support programme of public service reform (e.g. youth justice) Likely that further powers/budgets will follow in future deals
The Metro Mayor
Chair of WMCA (along with a Cabinet) Responsibility for a devolved transport budget Responsibility for franchised bus services Responsibility for a new Key Route Network Planning powers, to drive future housing delivery
Recent consultation on Mayoral powers and functions
Transport (in more detail)
Over £5bn of investment over 10 years, integrated and locally controlled (10-year Delivery Plan, TfWM)
Getting back control over buses – controlling fares and ensuring they run when and where people need them
Smart ticketing – allows passengers to use combination of bus and rail services across the region
Joint working with Highways England and Network Rail to achieve better integration between local and national
Powers to regulate freight vehicles to improve safety and create Clean Air Zones (Air Quality Action Plan)
Transport for West Midlands
The “transport arm” of the Combined Authority Established through a merger of Centro (WM PTE)
and the West Midlands Integrated Transport Authority
Network West Midlands continuing as public-facing brand
Laura Shoaf appointed as Director of Transport Cllr Roger Lawrence (Wolverhampton) holds the
Transport portfolio on WMCA Cabinet
Movement for Growth Strategy
The West Midlands Strategic Transport Plan, sets out a long-term plan for improvements over next 20 years
“We will make great progress for a Midlands economic ‘Engine for Growth’, clean air, improved health and quality of life. We will do this by creating a transport system befitting a sustainable, attractive conurbation.”
Three tiers – National, Regional and Local – underpinned by Smart Mobility (use of technology)
Better integration of Road, Rail, Metro, Sprint (BRT), Bus, Cycling and Walking to increase and utilise capacity
Transport Delivery Committee
Sub-committee of the WMCA Board, meets monthly and reports back on a regular basis (Forward Plan)
Provide oversight and visibility of the operational delivery for Transport for West Midlands and its partners
Advises on transport policy matters and discharges specified transport functions delegated by WMCA
Chaired by Cllr Richard Worrall (Walsall) Vice Chair is Cllr Philip Davies (Birmingham) WMCA also has an Overview & Scrutiny Committee
Engagement
There is a lot of reference to public-private partnerships – but what about the voluntary/community (Third) sector and wider civil society? How could anyone get involved?
The West Midlands Civil Society Forum and West Midlands Voluntary & Community Sector Network are working together to ensure voice and influence in work of WMCA
The People’s Plan initiative is an example of deliberative democracy, enabling everyone to submit ideas, comment on suggestions, and help set priorities for the region
Over to you…
Questions for discussion:WHAT are the key transport issues
facing the West Midlands?HOW might we look to get involved
with and influence this agenda?WHO should be involved with taking
this forward? (you and who else!)