Region takes control: Households to save £3m on fuel bills

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An unprecedented shift in power, funding, and responsibility from Westminster to the West Midlands is set to save thousands of families across the region a combined £3 million a year on their household fuel bills. This monumental change, orchestrated by Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, is a game-changer that will significantly impact the economy and people’s standard of living.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG) has released the Integrated Settlement Outcomes Framework, outlining the details of the £389m Integrated Settlement secured by Mayor Parker. This framework highlights the West Midlands Combined Authority’s (WMCA) commitment to boosting economic growth, jobs, homes, and transport over the next 12 months.

The region’s first-ever settlement, a key component of the West Midlands’ devolution deal with the Government, aims to streamline bureaucracy and empower local leaders to focus on regional priorities. With £389m in funding, alongside the region’s existing £211m transport fund, the WMCA is poised to deliver a range of initiatives:

Support for 4,275 businesses
Nearly 1,000 new jobs
More than 1,770 new homes, many of them affordable
Skills and training for over 58,000 individuals
Almost 240m bus journeys
Additional cycle routes and electric vehicle charging points

Moreover, the funding will support the three-year, £167 million Buildings Retrofit Pilot, benefiting 14,000 homes with measures like low carbon heating and energy-efficient insulation. This initiative will reduce fuel bills for households, putting an average of £236 back into their pockets annually.

The Mayor emphasised the importance of this investment, stating, “My mission is clear – growth, jobs, journeys, and homes for everyone. This is how we are going to change thousands of lives for the better.”

Part of the Integrated Settlement will also contribute to the region’s Investment Zone, a 25-year initiative expected to generate over £5bn of investment and 30,000 new jobs. Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution, Jim McMahon OBE, praised this milestone moment, highlighting the Government’s commitment to devolution and empowering local leaders to drive change.

As part of the ongoing devolution process, the West Midlands anticipates future Integrated Settlements to span multiple years and include additional funding for skills, employment support, business growth, and climate change initiatives under regional control.

This groundbreaking development marks a significant step towards a more sustainable and prosperous future for the West Midlands. Stay tuned to Net Zero News for more updates on this transformative journey towards a greener, more resilient region.

Image credit: WMCA