News
Published on 5 August 2015
Archived on 5 September 2015
On 6 July a Launch Statement was published by the seven Metropolitan Councils* within the West Midlands proposing the creation of a West Midlands Combined Authority by April 2016.
Stratford-on-Avon District Council is now in the process of considering its position in relation to being part of the West Midlands Combined Authority, often called the Midlands Powerhouse. The Government is keen to devolve its powers where there are sound economic links between constituent Councils.
Cllr Chris Saint, Leader of Stratford-on-Avon District Council says: “The Local Government landscape is constantly changing at the moment with many future challenges. The District Council is looking carefully at the West Midlands Combined Authority approach but no formal decision has been made. Firstly, we are consulting with the public and local business leaders, by way of a survey, launched today.
“People need a clear picture of the Government's devolution agenda and how this might impact on them. It is important to hear views of the combined authority proposal from both the public and businesses alike.
“Stratford-on-Avon District Council is part of the West Midlands network of Local Enterprise Partnerships#. It is important that the District Council uses these negotiations to assess where its future best lies. Whatever decision is going to be made will undoubtedly need to be and will be in the best interests of Stratford-on-Avon District residents and businesses.
The consultation starts today at 5pm on 5 August and runs until 10am on Monday 24 August, so that results can be collated to inform the Decision to be made by Full Council at a Special meeting on 1 September 2015.
The survey is available online on the District Council's website www.stratford.gov.uk by following the front page link: www.stratford.gov.uk/consultation/combinedauthority
Combined Authorities were introduced in the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009 to enable Councils to integrate economic development and transport functions and decision-making across a functional economic area.
Stratford-on-Avon District Council
Elizabeth House, Church Street,
Stratford-on-Avon, Warwickshire,
CV37 6HX
Tel: 01789 267575
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