Solihull open to regional collaboration discussions

The leader of Solihull Council has said Solihull is open to discussions following the Black Country and Birmingham’s agreement in principle to work towards a combined authority for the region.

Councillor Bob Sleigh, Leader of Solihull Council, said:

“Solihull is a key component of the regional economy, but we recognise in a global economy we have to punch our weight as a region. It’s been Solihull’s position for a long time that collaboration across the region can reap huge benefits for the region, so I’m sure we have a key role to play in any future discussions.

“Our support for the Greater Birmingham & Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership, the Integrated Transport Authority and our willingness to sign-up to a number of shared services is evidence of our desire to work across boundaries, when there are clear benefits to Solihull, our partners and the region.

“I’m pleased therefore that the leaders in Birmingham and the Black Country acknowledge we are not talking about changing how we currently deliver services to our residents. However, the devil will always be in the detail.

“The issue at hand is working to solve some of the regional issues around transport, infrastructure and economic growth.

“I welcome the opportunity to begin discussing effective regional collaboration arrangements but at the same time I can reassure Solihull tax-payers and businesses that any agreement will have to benefit both the borough and the region. Any agreement we arrive at will of course have to be scrutinised by borough politicians and be taken through our democratic processes in order to maintain proper accountability.

“In order for this to work the region needs to focus our efforts on presenting a credible and persuasive case to government for increased funding support, retention of more business rates and devolved powers over transport and the economy. These issues need to be the focus of these discussions.

“As a region we have more in common with each other than we have differences. We need to retain our cultural and community identities but join together to create a region that can punch its weight both nationally and internationally.”

Read more: http://www.solihull.gov.uk/news/ArtMID/820/ArticleID/506/Solihull-open-to-regional-collaboration-discussions