A prominent West Midlands political figure has argued that Andy Burnham's vision for Greater Manchester holds important lessons for the entire region, particularly in areas of transport, housing, and economic development. Writing in a recent commentary, the leader emphasised that cross-regional collaboration is essential to unlocking the West Midlands' full potential.
Why Burnham's Approach Resonates
The commentary highlights Burnham's success in securing devolved powers and funding for Greater Manchester, including control over the city's bus network and housing investment. The author contends that similar ambition is needed in the West Midlands to address long-standing issues such as poor connectivity and housing shortages. "Burnham has shown what is possible when a region speaks with one voice," the piece states, quoting the leader directly.
The article points to Burnham's achievements as a blueprint for the West Midlands Combined Authority, which oversees transport and economic policy for seven metropolitan boroughs. The author notes that while the West Midlands has made strides—such as the expansion of the Metro tram network—more aggressive devolution is required to compete with northern powerhouses.
Transport and Housing at the Forefront
A key focus of the argument is transport. The piece references Burnham's Bee Network, which integrates buses, trams, and trains under public control. The author suggests that the West Midlands should pursue a similar model to improve bus services, which have been criticised for unreliability and high fares. "Our residents deserve a transport system that works for them, not just for private operators," the leader writes.
Housing is another critical area. The article notes that Burnham has overseen the construction of thousands of affordable homes through Greater Manchester's housing strategy. The author argues that the West Midlands faces a housing crisis, with demand outstripping supply and prices rising faster than wages. According to recent data, the region needs at least 25,000 new homes per year to meet demand, a target that has not been achieved in the past decade.
Economic Growth and Devolution
The commentary also touches on economic growth, pointing to Burnham's efforts to attract investment and create jobs. The author argues that the West Midlands must leverage its strengths in manufacturing, technology, and logistics to secure similar deals. "We have the assets—the UK's second-largest city, a world-class automotive industry, and a growing tech sector—but we need the powers to use them effectively," the piece states.
The leader calls for a new devolution deal that gives the West Midlands greater control over skills training, business support, and infrastructure spending. This would allow the region to tailor policies to local needs, rather than relying on Westminster decisions. The article notes that other regions, including Greater Manchester and the West of England, have already secured such deals, putting the West Midlands at a competitive disadvantage.
A Call for Unity and Ambition
The piece concludes with a rallying cry for political and business leaders across the West Midlands to unite behind a shared vision. "We must be as bold as Burnham and demand the resources we need to transform our region," the leader writes. "The future of the West Midlands depends on it."
