Mayor sets out bold priorities and announces new ‘council of experts’

Mayor of the West Midlands, Richard Parker has announced the four priorities he’ll deliver for everyone across the West Midlands after meetings with new Government figures and regional leaders.

The four priorities are:

• Jobs for everyone – investing in jobs, skills, training and apprenticeships and reducing youth unemployment and ensuring everyone has a job that pays well.
• Homes for everyone – building social and affordable homes and creating vibrant communities so that everyone will have a place to call home.
• Growth for everyone- helping businesses grow, supporting innovation and creativity and making sure everyone benefits and the environment is protected.
• Journeys for everyone – connecting communities and making travel easier, safer and more affordable for everyone.

Mayor Richard Parker with Steven Knight

Alongside the four priorities announced, the Mayor also confirmed four new ‘Taskforces’ to ensure each of the areas is driven by specialist input to ensure delivery.

Richard Parker said: “We believe we have the perfect ecosystem for delivering meaningful change for everyone in this region.

“I’ve already launched a new youth plan to tackle unemployment which in some parts of the region is double the national average, as well as a £5.5bn Investment Zone to get to grips with the shocking lack of growth in our region. Buses are well on their way to being under public control and crucially we’re now having very important discussions with the Government to quickly unlock thousands of new homes.

“Those are the headlines but I’ve done much more on the ground to begin to make an impact.

“What today is about, is showing people where I’ll be focussing our resources but also where I’ll be asking the Government to support us.

“It’s about looking forward, with optimism about how we can have a direct impact on everyone’s lives in a meaningful way.”

Talking about the new Taskforces that will drive forward the priorities, the Mayor said: “I’m absolutely clear that we must be laser focused on delivering to show the value that devolution has on everyone’s lives. Each of the four areas will have a dedicated Taskforce which will be made up of a council of experts. People from across sectors who are experts in their fields and have a proven track record of delivery.”

Ahead of the Labour Party conference, the Mayor has also set out specific asks from the Government to ensure the region’s success, underlining the crucial support needed for the West Midlands to thrive.