Walsall Council will have the opportunity to comment on the latest proposals for the West Midlands Combined Authority Devolution Deal 2 when it meets in full session on Monday 16th July 2018 following a recommendation passed at the “five minute” Cabinet meeting on Wednesday.

It is unlikely that full council will not approve the deal but an opportunity has been missed for residents to understand the important gains for the West Midlands coming from this deal, and at the same time getting to grips with some of the risks involved.

Speaking after Wednesday’s meeting Lib Dem Cllr Ian Shires chair of the Economy and Environment Scrutiny Committee said “It’s a real pity that the incoming Tory administration chose not to inform residents of the advantages and some of the pitfalls of being a party to this deal.

“Sure, the matter can be debated at full Council in July but the rules of debate are so stuffy you can hardly call what will happen a debate. Speakers are only allowed to speak once and that’s time limited. The end result is no more than a series of political points scoring.

“If the new Tory cabinet had just taken a little time and effort to outline the importance of this deal to the people of Walsall things might have been different. As it is most people won’t know what it’s all about and what’s being done in their name and why the West Midlands Mayor Andy Street (Con) will be asking for a Precept when it comes to next year’s budget in February 2019.”

You can get to understand what the Devo Deal means to Walsall and the West Midlands ahead of the debate at full Council on Monday 16th July 2018 by checking out the report that went to Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting at:

https://bit.ly/2MNzQOF

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