TO BE PUBLISHED December 2025
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This conference will examine the future of devolution in the Midlands, bringing together policymakers and stakeholders to assess progress since the 2024 mayoral elections and the evolving national policy landscape.
It will be an opportunity to examine how new powers and funding arrangements are being implemented in the West Midlands and East Midlands Combined Authorities, and to consider implications of wider reforms to planning, infrastructure and regional economic policy. Delegates will assess the role of devolution in supporting long-term growth, improving local delivery, and strengthening the capacity of regional institutions.
Coordination & maximising potential
The conference will examine priorities for long-term growth across the Midlands, focusing on the shared commitment of the WMCA and EMCCA to work together on delivery. Sessions will consider how both regions are aligning strategies to harness sector strengths, including advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and digital industries, and next steps for supporting innovation through university and business partnerships.
Delegates will also consider challenges around infrastructure, skills, and investment readiness, looking at how stronger coordination and deeper devolved powers can help unlock the region’s full economic potential.
Funding & skills
The agenda will also examine how the Midlands is affected by the Industrial Strategy, including implementation of Investment Zones and Freeports. Delegates will assess the use of tax reliefs, infrastructure funding, and skills programmes in sectors such as battery technology, logistics, and clean energy.
Sessions will explore the role of national financing tools including the National Wealth Fund and UK Export Finance, and how local strategies will need to further develop to attract investment, commercialise research, and deliver inclusive growth across the region.
New responsibilities
The conference will examine implications of the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill for the Midlands, including the statutory designation of Strategic Authorities and the devolution of responsibilities for adult skills, transport, planning and public service reform. We expect delegates to draw on the West Midlands’ experience of integrated funding settlements and spatial planning, and consider early developments in the East Midlands as it begins to assume devolved responsibilities.
Discussion will assess implementation of the Local Growth Plan, priorities for infrastructure and economic alignment, and the role of long-term collaboration with central government in supporting delivery.
Further planned sessions will examine transport, housing and net zero priorities across the Midlands. Areas for discussion include major transit proposals, bus reform, and active travel, alongside mayoral strategies for social housing and regulation, as well as the role of Combine Authorities in delivering low-carbon development, workforce planning and investment in skills.
Overall areas for discussion
- implementation of the Bill: scope of powers for Strategic Authorities - legal mechanisms for expanding devolved responsibilities - implications of pilot schemes and right-to-request provisions
- local leadership and delivery models: planning horizons and local budget flexibility - impact on infrastructure, housing, and skills priorities - capacity to deliver regionally tailored growth
- governance and coordination: interactions between regional and national institutions - oversight and accountability - expectations under the Industrial Strategy and Spending Review
- trailblazer deals and early implementation: fiscal powers and retrofit responsibilities - local approaches to consolidated funding - strategic coherence across local areas
- Investment Zones and spatial alignment: cross-regional planning - alignment with transport and infrastructure strategies - use of devolved tools to catalyse private investment and skills provision
- transport and infrastructure: WMCA bus franchising, oversight and system planning - pause of Midland Main Line electrification - role of transit investment and local mobility frameworks
- housing and regeneration: new mayoral responsibilities in planning and land use - alignment of housing with supporting infrastructure - delivery strategies for urban and rural development
- skills and workforce: design and delivery of strategies to meet economic needs - building workforce capacity in priority sectors - tackling disparities in access and opportunity
