December 2025
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This conference examined the future for devolution in the Midlands, bringing policymakers and stakeholders together to also assess progress since the 2024 mayoral elections and the evolving national policy landscape. We expected discussion on areas such as confidence in long-term funding and the scope of local responsibilities over finances, capacity and delivery timelines during reorganisation, and the balance between national decision-making structures and local powers.
It was an opportunity to examine the process of implementation in the West Midlands and East Midlands Combined Authorities, and what will be needed to effectively support local capabilities and delivery, and long-term growth. It was also an opportunity to assess the impact of new powers for Mayors to levy a tourist tax and further measures in the Autumn Budget 2025.
New responsibilities
The conference examined implications of the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill for the Midlands, including the statutory designation of Strategic Authorities and devolution of responsibilities for adult skills, transport, planning and public service reform.
We expected discussion to draw on the West Midlands’ experience of integrated funding settlements and spatial planning, considering early developments in the East Midlands as it begins to assume devolved responsibilities. Discussion also looked at next steps for South Midlands local authorities, with further local government reorganisation expected in the region, including questions raised by stakeholders on accountability, scrutiny and public engagement.
Coordination & inclusive growth
Attendees assessed priorities for the WMCA and EMCCA in achieving the shared commitment to work together on delivery. Sessions considered how both regions can best align strategies to harness sector strengths - such as in advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and digital industries - and next steps for university and business partnerships to support innovation.
Those attending assessed implementation of Local Growth Plans, priorities for infrastructure and economic alignment, and the role of long-term collaboration with central government in supporting delivery.
Sessions considered how inclusive growth can be embedded into long-term regional strategies. Delegates discussed approaches to meeting shared ambitions for raising living standards, reducing inequality, improving public health, and unlocking economic potential across communities, alongside priorities for reforms to skills systems, employer practices, and local powers that can help build resilience across the region.
Investment, support for clusters & securing supply chains
In the context of the Industrial Strategy, opportunities for closer coordination were considered, including Investment Zones and Freeports, alongside clearer accountability for joint programmes across the two combined authorities and their partner local authorities. Delegates assessed the use of tax relief, infrastructure funding, and skills programmes in key sectors - such as battery technology, logistics, and clean energy - alongside options raised by stakeholders for greater local control over funding, flexibility for mayors to raise revenue, and more predictable long-term settlements to support private investment.
The role of national financing tools - such as the National Wealth Fund and UK Export Finance - was also examined, alongside local strategies needed to attract investment and commercialise research.
Development of strategic supply chains and regional clusters was considered, looking at relationships with other neighbouring combined authorities and initiatives - such as the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor - as well as priorities for safeguarding economic security and cyber resilience in key clusters and supply chains.
Housebuilding, transport & planning
Further sessions assessed priorities for accelerating housing delivery. Areas for discussion included frameworks for local and combined authorities in working with developers to align speed of development with quality, environmental standards, and community needs, including addressing stakeholder concerns about planning capacity, fragmented responsibilities, and certainty for developers amid changes to local structures and election cycles.
As well as issues around construction costs and tackling skill shortages, delegates examined how affordable housing and essential social infrastructure can be delivered at scale, and how funding programmes such as the National Housing Delivery Fund and devolved investment strategies can be further aligned to meet local housing ambitions.
There was also a focus on transport infrastructure. Areas for discussion included WMCA bus franchising, oversight and system planning, implications of the pause on Midland Main Line electrification, as well as priorities for transit investment and local mobility frameworks, and Transport for City Regions funding. We expected discussion on the economic and regeneration impact of recent and proposed changes to major rail schemes, including HS2, and how to coordinate delivery across regional and local networks.
All delegates were able to contribute to the output of the conference, which will be shared with parliamentary, ministerial, departmental and regulatory offices, and more widely. This includes the full proceedings and additional articles submitted by delegates. As well as key stakeholders, those who attended include parliamentary pass-holders from the House of Commons and officials from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government; Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; Department for Energy Security and Net Zero; Department for Education; Department for Science, Innovation and Technology; Department for Business and Trade; Department for Transport; and Active Travel England.
