All but one council rejects combined authority plan
Stratford was the final one to make the decision on its involvement in the WMCA, which is being spearheaded by Metropolitan councils in the West Midlands region — Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall and Wolverhampton — in an effort to gain more devolution of power from Westminster.
Although, the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has opted to join as a non-constituent member.
In Stratford, the decision was made at a meeting of 31 of the district’s 36 councillors last Monday.
When it was put to the vote, 14 councillors voted in favour of becoming a non-constituent member, 16 voted against and one abstained. In the vote not to become a non-constituent member, 16 councillors voted for, eight against, and seven abstained.
Cllr Chris Saint, leader of Stratford District Council, said: “The district council feels that the risks from the West Midlands Combined Authority outweigh the benefits of becoming a non-constituent member and its future within the Government’s devolution programme lies in developing the synergies between itself and neighbouring councils in shire areas.
“The district council has declined the invitation to become a non-constituent member of the West Midlands Combined Authority and will pursue alternative options, should any materialise, in line with the council’s decision on 1st September.”
Cllr Maurice Howse, portfolio holder for enterprise, housing and revenues, was one of the higher profile councillors in favour of joining.
He told the Herald: “We were invited to join the seven Mets and, like them, retain all the powers that we have at the moment.
“This would have given us a great opportunity to further improve the economy of the district.
“In addition it would attract more tourists, bring much-needed business to our hotels, restaurants and excellent retail outlets.
“In my discussions with local business leaders there was almost unanimous agreement that this would be good for the district.
“We also conducted a survey which showed that not only businesses, but residents as well, recognised this.
“I was very disappointed when the Full Council after a great debate, and in a free vote, decided by a very narrow margin not to join.
“We have, I believe, missed a golden opportunity to be a part of the West Midlands Power House and I wait with interest to see what unfolds as a result. Democracy will have its say.”
Cllr Dennis Harvey, leader of Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council, said: “This is an exciting time for the borough.
"The ambition of the WMCA is to become ‘the engine of the British economy, driving jobs, prosperity and economic growth’.
"We are pleased to be taking our part in this challenge, maximising the benefits for our borough."
