Press Releases

The latest press releases from the West Midlands Regional Assembly are detailed below.

2009 Press Releases

03 November - Ethnic Minorities and Immigrants form the Focus of Community Cohesion Debate in the Midlands
Disconnected communities, hostility towards immigrants and how migrants contribute to making the Region stronger will be the subject of debate by frontline workers, experts and policy makers tomorrow at a seminar organised by the West Midlands Regional Assembly...more...(PDF 78KB)

01 October - Town Planners' President Challenges the Region
The future of regional planning arrangements face major changes and the Regional Assembly must face them head on, advised the President of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) at the Regional Assembly Board meeting yesterday. All Regional Planning Bodies across the UK look set to be abolished next year, should a new government be elected...more...(PDF 77KB)

28 September - Panel Report Reveals Housing Figures for the Region
398,000 new homes are being recommended by the Planning Inspectors Panel in a report published today, following the Examination in Public into the Regional Spatial Strategy which took place between
April and June this year...more...(PDF 76KB)

28 September - Regional Seminar Debates the Rights and Protection of Children
The conditions, rights and protection of children and young people will be the focus of a regional seminar this Thursday, organised by the West Midlands Regional Assembly. The seminar is the first of six thematic events being held as part of the OPEN project - a pioneering new programme that works to strengthen social inclusion and protection...more...(PDF 78KB)

11 September - Polish Dignitary Visits the Region to Build Stronger Business Links
The Marshall of Lodz in Poland arrived in Birmingham last night for a two day visit to the West Midlands, organised by the West Midlands Regional Assembly. The visit marks a step towards a closer working relationship between the two Regions in order to boost regional businesses...more...(PDF 76KB)

12 August - Culture, Sport and Tourism Facilities Must Meet the Needs of the Region says the Regional Assembly
Are Regional assets such as museums, sports stadia and tourist attractions good enough and in the right locations to meet the needs of the West Midlands? This is just one issue up for debate in a seven-week consultation that draws to an end this Friday, as part of the Phase Three Revision into the West Midlands Regional Spatial Strategy...more...(PDF 76KB)

11 August - Region's Mineral Supply Needs to be Safeguarded says The Assembly
How do we make sure there are enough mineral resources for construction now and in the future without damaging the environment? How can we safeguard essential minerals such as brick clay, sand and gravel from being built-over if we don't extract them now? These are just two of the issues up for debate in a seven-week consultation...more...(PDF 76KB)

10 August - Five Days Left to Have Your Say
Less than a week remains for people in the West Midlands to voice their opinions on plans that will shape the Region over the next 20 years. Views are being sought on services in rural areas, provision for gypsies and travellers, mineral resources, environmental issues as well as culture, sport and tourism...more...(PDF 80KB)

23 July - Cllr David Smith urges the public to voice their opinion on plans for the Region
People in the West Midlands are being urged to have their say on policies that could transform the Region over the next 20 years, according to Cllr David Smith, Chairman of the West Midlands Regional Assembly. Rural services, environmental issues, mineral resources, accommodation for gypsies, travellers and travelling showpeople as well as culture...more...(PDF 60KB)

20 July - Regional Strategy Aims to Improve Quality of the Environment in the West Midlands
Managing flood risk, developing renewable energy and the role of Green Belt land in the Region are just a few of the issues being reviewed in a seven-week consultation...more...(PDF 60KB)

9 July - Future of Rural Services in the West Midlands up for Consultation
There is a natural focus on big cities when it comes to regional planning but it is vitally important that the interests of rural shires are not forgotten, according to the West Midlands Regional Assembly. The services rural communities need and how they can be provided is a key issue up for discussion in a seven-week consultation...more...(PDF 76KB)

6 July - Regional Assembly holds Annual General Meeting 2009
The Annual General Meeting of the West Midlands Regional Assembly will take place this Wednesday 8th July, 11.30am, at Solihull Council House. Amongst a number of issues, the Assembly will discuss membership; Regional Spatial Strategy Phase Two - Examination in Public...more...(PDF 73KB)

2 July - Regional Plan Outlines Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Needs
How many new caravan pitches and plots are needed for gypsies, travellers and travelling showpeople over the next ten years, and how should they be distributed throughout the Region? These are some of the key questions being asked in a seven-week consultation launched this week...more...(PDF 77KB)

25 June - West Midlands Regional Assembly to Launch Major Public Consultation into Plans for the Region
The public are being urged to have their say on accommodation for gypsies, travellers and travelling showpeople, rural services, environmental issues as well as culture, sport and tourism. These are just a few of the issues up for discussion in a seven-week consultation as part of the Phase Three Revision of the West Midlands Regional Spatial Strategy...more...(PDF 80KB)

15 June - Eco-town Battle Brought to Expert Panel
An expert panel will tomorrow question how sustainable and deliverable the Middle Quinton Eco-town proposal really is, at the Examination in Public into the West Midlands Regional Spatial Strategy. The Assembly has long argued this government lead proposal undermines the key objectives of the Regional Spatial Strategy...more...(PDF 76KB)

29 May - Birmingham Development Plans the Focus of Public Examination
Will Birmingham's ambitious housing targets produce a good mix of housing to meet all needs? Do new development plans recognise the international status of Birmingham as a world city? These are
just two of the questions due to come under scrutiny on Tuesday 2nd June at a major inquiry into the West Midlands Regional Spatial Strategy...more...(PDF 76KB)

18 May - Examination in Public Debates Employment Land in the Region
The West Midlands Regional Assembly is set to argue that in spite of the economic recession, a healthy supply of employment land, of the right type and in the right locations, is essential for allowing new jobs to be created across the West Midlands...more...(PDF 100KB)

11 May - West Midlands Making Good Progress on Transport Priorities Action Plan
Nine detailed documents setting out important short-term transport milestones that the West Midlands region needs to achieve over the coming year are being published today. Contents of the updated Regional Transport Priorities Action Plan were announced by regional Minister Ian Austin MP...more...(PDF 110KB)

05 May - Examination in Public Debates the Future of Housing in the Region
Key questions that challenge controversial housing projections for the Region will be contested over the next few days, as part of a seven-week Examination in Public into the West Midlands Regional Spatial Strategy. Prepared by the West Midlands Regional Assembly, and submitted to government, this Strategy sets out targets for homes*, the economy, infrastructure and waste reduction across the Region through to 2026...more...(PDF 77KB)

28 April - West Midlands Regional Spatial Strategy, Phase Two Revision - Examination in Public (Opening Statement by Mark Middleton, Director of Policy, West Midlands Regional Assembly)
The number of new homes needed in the West Midlands over the next 17 years and the infrastructure requirements to support them, are about to come under major scrutiny at an important Examination in Public opening today, on the 28th April at the Molineux Stadium in Wolverhampton. Mark Middleton, Director of Policy at the Assembly, today set the scene in his opening statement...more...(PDF 100KB)

22 April - Seven Week Public Examination to Debate the Future of the Region
The number of new homes needed in the West Midlands over the next 17 years and the infrastructure requirements to support them, are about to come under major scrutiny at an important Examination in Public opening on the 28th April at the Molineux Stadium in Wolverhampton...more...(PDF 58KB)

31 March - Regional Assembly Welcomes £70m Government investment into Region
More than £70million of government funding is coming into the Region for investment in transport infrastructure and local authority housing, following recommendations made by the West Midlands Regional Assembly and its partners...more...(PDF 80KB)

25 March - Regional Spatial Strategy improves development on the ground, but how far is it affecting the 'Hearts and Minds' of the Region?
New figures show that 15,800 new dwellings were built in the West Midlands between 2007 and 2008, exceeding the target of 12,355 set out in the Regional Spatial Strategy. The figures also revealed that the amount of land developed for employment purposes hit a five year high at 270 hectares, 75% of which was on previously developed land...more... (PDF 72 KB)

24 March - Remote Border Communities in Shropshire, Herefordshire and Powys to Benefit from Groundbreaking Co-operation
Private and public sector agencies working across Central Wales and the West Midlands are meeting on April 2nd, to do just this, on behalf of those living along the remote England/Welsh border...more...(PDF 119KB)

23 March - Housing Refurbishment Could Be Key to Meeting CO2 Targets
According to a new report launched today, the West Midlands will need to spend an additional £189.1 million per year on installing energy efficient measures into homes, which equates to an additional 68,000 tonnes of CO2 a year, if it is to meet its CO2 emissions target...more... (PDF 54 KB)

21 January - Examination in Public into Regional Spatial Strategy
The independent Panel Secretary has today published details of the two preliminary sessions that will be held next week in advance of April's Examination in Public into the West Midlands Regional Spatial Strategy, Phase Two Revisions....more.. (PDF 75KB)

21 January - Regional Assembly Welcomes Government Transport Investment
Whilst the Assembly welcomed the government's recent transport investment package for major improvements to the strategic national road and rail network, it was disappointed that investment in the Black Country appears to have been deferred...more.. (PDF 80KB)

2008 Press Releases

03 December - Regional Assembly Slams Unsustainable Housing Targets
The Board of the West Midlands Regional Assembly today agreed its response to the Government-commissioned study on higher housing numbers for the Region...more...(PDF 80KB)

25 November - Regional Partnership working set to contiue
The Chairman of the West Midlands Regional Assembly, Cllr David Smith, today broadly welcomed the outcome of the government's review of sub-national economic development and regeneration, which will see Regional Assemblies being replaced by a new Local Authority Leaders Board working alongside the Regional Development Agency to deliver effective and sustainable economic development at the regional level...more...(PDF 71KB)

21 November - Only a fortnight to go to have your say
West Midlanders have only a fortnight left to contribute to a major consultation carried out by West Midlands Regional Assembly into the future shape of the Region...more...(PDF 55KB)

19 November - Beyond waste
Sustainable waste management is an important aspect of the West Midlands Regional Spatial Strategy Phase Two Revision, which aims to shape the Region for the next 20 years...more...(PDF 72KB)

6 November - Government Draft Policy on Eco-towns threatens sustainability approach
The government's recently published draft planning policy statement (PPS) which opened for consultation yesterday undermines regional and local planning to date and
threatens the sustainability approach of the Regional Spatial Strategy claims the West Midlands Regional Assembly ...more...(PDF 75KB)

31 October - Strengthening our town and city centres
A move to create an integrated approach for the development of town and city centres is one of the major proposals in the West Midlands Regional Spatial Strategy, due to be tested at an independent public examination next spring...more...(PDF 73KB)

30 October - Transforming transport for the Region
Transport is important to everyone whether it is by road, rail or bus and is used to get to work, education, health providers and leisure facilities or to provide us with the goods we need...more...(PDF 76KB)

24 October - Your last chance to have your say! - Herefordshire
People in Herefordshire should have their say in a major planning consultation which aims to tackle the challenges faced by the rural parts of the West Midlands such as affordable housing, transport and accessibility...more...(PDF 86KB)

24 October - Your last chance to have your say! - Staffordshire
People in Staffordshire should have their say in a major planning consultation which aims to tackle the challenges faced by the rural parts of the West Midlands such as affordable housing, transport and accessibility...more...(PDF 84KB)

24 October - Your last chance to have your say! - Worcestershire
People in Worcestershire should have their say in a major planning consultation which aims to tackle the challenges faced by the rural parts of the West Midlands such as affordable housing, transport and accessibility...more...(PDF 90KB)

24 October - Your last chance to have your say! - Shropshire
People in Shropshire should have their say in a major planning consultation which aims to tackle the challenges faced by the rural parts of the West Midlands such as affordable housing, transport and accessibility...more...(PDF KB)

24 October - Your last chance to have your say! - Warwickshire
People in Warwickshire should have their say in a major planning consultation which aims to tackle the challenges faced by the rural parts of the West Midlands such as affordable housing, transport and accessibility...more...(PDF KB)

17 October - 50 days to go to have your say!
West Midlanders have only 50 days left to have their say and voice their opinion on the future shape of the whole West Midlands Region...more..(PDF 36KB)

6 October - Government Housing Study Prompts Regional Assembly Concerns
The West Midlands Regional Assembly today registered concern about the recommendations of a government-commissioned study into higher housing numbers for the Region...more...(PDF 76KB)

8 September - Regional Partners met to Check Plan Delivery
Birmingham City Council House today held a seminar for over 100 of the Region's planners and developers to take the pulse of the West Midlands Regional Spatial Strategy...more..(PDF 82KB)

14 July - Regional Housing Study Threatens Agreed Growth Plan
At West Midlands Regional Assembly's annual meeting last week members re-iterated their grave concerns about the direction being taken by a government-commissioned study into yet higher housing numbers for the West Midlands region...more...(PDF 27KB)

11 July - Proposed transfer of powers to Regional Development Agencies could halt regeneration, says Assembly Chairman
In his acceptance speech following re-election as Chairman of the West Midlands Regional Assembly, Councillor David S. Smith (Leader of Lichfield District Council), called for plans to transfer responsibility for regional housing, planning and transport to Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) to be scrapped...more...(PDF 26KB)

8 July - Government Office housing study raises concerns
West Midlands Regional Assembly, which includes representatives from the Region's local planning authorities, expressed grave concern today over the shape of an emerging study commissioned by the Government Office for the West Midlands (GOWM)...more...(PDF 27KB)

24 June - Keep regions democratic
Major regional decisions on jobs, housing, transport and the environment should be made by elected council leaders not undemocratic quangos, says the body representing England's Regional Assemblies...more...(PDF 25KB)

2 June - Regional Assembly stands firm on green belt
The West Midlands Regional Assembly in its role as Regional Planning Body for the West Midlands has expressed its continued commitment to the principles behind the green belt and has rejected Campaign to Protect Rural England's (CPRE) claims that this is being squandered to build housing beyond what is needed...more...(PDF 25KB)

30 May - West Midlands Regional Assembly backs Longbridge Area Action Plan
An Area Action Plan drawn up to revitalise Longbridge, following the closure of the famous car manufacturing plant has been fully backed by West Midlands Regional Assembly...more...(PDF 27KB)

28 May - Is Advantage West Midlands fulfilling its role in addressing the Region's skills challenge?
This is the question posed by West Midlands Regional Assembly as part of its statutory responsibility for scrutinising the work of Advantage West Midlands, the Regional Development Agency...more...(PDF 30KB)

16 May - West Midlands Regional Spatial Strategy Phase Two Revision Draft - Consultation period extended further to 8 December 2008
The consultation on the West Midlands Regional Spatial Strategy (WMRSS) Phase Two Revision Draft has been extended further to 8 December 2008 by the West Midlands Regional Assembly in the light of recent discussions with the Government Office for the West Midlands (GOWM)...more...(PDF 25KB)

15 May - Assembly member shortlisted for national scrutiny award
West Midlands Regional Assembly's business member Roger Trotman has been shortlisted for a national scrutiny award...more...(PDF 27KB)

8 May - West Midlands Regional Assembly endorses recommendations for post -16 Education, Training and Skills
WEST Midlands Regional Assembly members have endorsed recommendations made in a review examining post-16 education, training and skills...more...(PDF 27KB)

16 April - REGIONAL ASSEMBLY APPOINTS NEW PLANNING TEAM LEADER
The West Midlands Regional Assembly has appointed John Pattinson as its new Head of Planning...more...(PDF 28KB)

3 April - ASSEMBLY CHAIRMAN EXPRESSES CAUTION OVER ECO-TOWNS
West Midlands Regional Assembly chairman has expressed caution over today's announcement by government of a series of proposed eco-towns; two of which are in the West Midlands Region...more...(PDF 55KB)

31 March - SUB NATIONAL REVIEW CONSULTATION DOCUMENT RELEASED
The government has published the long awaited consultation document for the Sub National Review (SNR) of Economic Development...more... (PDF 52KB)

26 March - NEW POLICY DIRECTOR FOR REGIONAL ASSEMBLY
Worcestershire County Council's head of planning, economy and research is to join West Midlands Regional Assembly...more... (PDF 26KB)

12 March - 'CITY LIVING' ON THE INCREASE MONITORING REPORT IDENTIFIES POSITIVE PROGRESS TOWARDS URBAN RENAISSANCE
City Living is on the rise for the first time in years as people are living and working closer to urban areas with data showing a reduction in commuting distances...more...

5 March - WEST MIDLANDS REGIONAL SPATIAL STRATEGY PHASE TWO REVISION DRAFT CONSULTATION PERIOD EXTENDED TO 30 JUNE 2008
In December 2007, West Midlands Regional Assembly, in its role as Regional Planning Body, submitted the West Midlands Regional Spatial Strategy (WMRSS) Phase Two Revision Draft to the Secretary of State. Following the submission of the document, a public consultation started on the 7 January 2008 and was originally scheduled to run until the 28 March 2008...more...

6 February - AWARD WINNING OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALLIST SUPPORTS WELL-BEING PORTFOLIO IN THE WEST MIDLANDS
SALLY Gunnell, OBE teamed up with several super heroes outside Birmingham's council house to promote the Living Well in the West Midlands portfolio this week...more..

31 January - Award winning Olympic gold medallist steps up to promote mental well-being
SALLY Gunnell, OBE will be among a line up of true super heroes as she steps up to support the Living Well in the West Midlands portfolio in Birmingham...more...

23 January - REGIONAL PARNTNERS TO DISCUSS FUTURE GOVERNANCE OF THE WEST MIDLANDS
Partners from across the West Midlands are to come together to discuss the future of the Region's governance after 2010, when West Midlands Regional Assembly ceases to exist...more...

15 January - GOVERNMENT REPORT ENDORSES BLACK COUNTRY PLANS FOR LONG TERM REGENRATION
The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, has today published the long awaited Phase One Revision to the West Midlands Regional Spatial Strategy. This supports future long term plans for the transformation of the Black Country and will pave the way for new homes, more jobs, better shopping and, above all, a better environment for over 1 million people who live in the sub region...more...

7 January - REGION'S APPROACH TO POST-16 EDUCATION, TRAINING AND SKILLS
A Strategic Review is being carried out by the West Midlands Regional Assembly on behalf of the Region's Learning Skills Council. The Strategic Review is examining the Region's approach to post 16-education, training and skills...more...

7 January - WEST MIDLANDS REGIONAL SPATIAL STRATEGY PHASE TWO REVISIONS - LETTER FROM BARONESS ANDREWS
Following submission of the West Midlands Regional Spatial Strategy (WMRSS) Phase Two Revision Draft to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government in December 2007, the Assembly has received a letter from Baroness Andrews, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the Department for Communities and Local Government...more...

7 January - REGIONAL ASSEMBLY SUBMITS REVISED WEST MIDLANDS PLAN TO GOVERNMENT
After 18 months of wide-ranging discussion and debate, including consultations across the Region, the Regional Assembly has now submitted the West Midlands
Regional Spatial Strategy (WMRSS) Phase Two Revision Draft to government...more...

Housing Figures:
WMRSS Housing Proposal figures
(extracted from the WMRSS Phase Two Revision, Preferred Option - December 2007)

2007 Press Releases

10th December - MINISTER FOR THE REGION TO PUBLICLY PRESENT THE WMRSS PHASE TWO REVISION DRAFT
Liam Byrne, MP, Minister for the West Midlands Region is to formally present the West Midlands Regional Spatial Strategy (WMRSS) Phase Two Revision Draft at an event on Monday 10 December...more...

22nd November - HAVE YOUR SAY - PLANNING THE FUTURE OF THE WEST MIDLANDS
People in the West Midlands are to be given an opportunity to share their views on a number of issues which affect the regional population such as flooding, greenbelt, services in rural areas, cultural and recreational provision and accommodation needs for Gypsies and Travellers...more...

5th November - BUSINESS SPEAKS UP ABOUT TRANSPORT'S CONTRIBUTION TO REGIONAL SUCCESS
The business community will have the opportunity to air their views about transport's contribution to the Region's success when they give evidence to a Strategic Review panel in Birmingham this month...more...

24th October - ASSEMBLY ENDORSES CLIMATE CHANGE ACTION PLAN
West Midlands Regional Assembly has today endorsed a Climate Change Action Plan designed to ensure that the Region plays its part in tackling the causes adn impacts of climate change...more...

12th October - REGIONAL ASSEMBLY TO RECOMMEND FUTURE HOUSE BUILDING FIGURES TO BUILDING FIGURES TO GOVERNMENT
After many months of discussion and debate, housing proposals for the West Midlands are shortly to be decided with major implications for future supply and affordability across the Region...more...

26th September - WEST MIDLANDS REGIONAL PLANNING PARTNERSHIP -24th SEPTEMBER 2007 REGIONAL SPATIAL STRATEGY PHASE 2 REVISION
The Regional Spatial Strategy plays a key role in determining the future shape of the Region and is a crucial policy document for ensuring that the West Midlands develops in a sustainable direction and responds effectively to the challenge of Climate Change...more...

17th September - WEST MIDLANDS REGION WELCOMES SKILLS CHALLENGE
The West Midlands welcomes the challenge set by the Minister for the Region, Liam Byrne MP, to transform the Region's skill base; particularly around young people; upskilling substantial numbers of the public sector workforce, and getting local people without jobs into work...more...

14th September - REGION'S APPROACH TO POST-16 EDUCATION, TRAINING AND SKILLS
Organisations and parties are being offered one last chance to attend a strategic panel review being carried out by the West Midlands Regional Assembly on behalf of the Region's Learning Skills Council...more...

28th August - REGIONAL SPATIAL STRATEGY - Developing the Preferred Option
September and October are important months for the West Midlands Region as members of the Assembly's Regional Planning Partnership start to finalise the submission to government - the Preferred Option...more...

25th July - SCRUNTINY REPORT FINDS LACK OF ACCESS TO FINANCE
THE West Midlands Regional Assembly has completed a review which examined Advantage West Midlands' approach to financial support for businesses and found a lack of awareness of the funds available in the Region...more...

24th July - GOOD NEWS FOR COMMUTERS
TODAY'S announcement by the Secretary of State for Transport, Ruth Kelly, sets out plans to remove the 'bottleneck' at New Street Station in Birmingham, this has been warmly welcomed by West Midlands Regional Transport Partnership...more...

24th July - REGION COMMITTED TO TACKLING CLIMATE CHANGE
A CLIMATE Change Action Plan consultation was launched today by the West Midlands Regional Assembly and aims to lead the way forward for the Region...more...

18th July - ASSEMBLY REMAINS DETERMINED TO WORK HARD
The Government published the outcomes of its Sub National Review of Economic Development and Regeneration yesterday which is set to give greater powers to local councils... more...

17th July - BIG LOTTERY DONATES TO LIVING WELL
WEST Midlands Regional Assembly announced today a major boost to its Healthy Living in the Region that brings together representatives from the public, private and the voluntary sector, in promoting economic, social and environmental well-being projects across the Region thanks to a donation from the Big Lottery Fund...more...

2nd July - Region's approach to Post-16 Education, Training and Skills
NEW changes could be introduced for post-16 education in Hereford as a Strategic Review is carried out by the West Midlands Regional Assembly and the Region's Learning Skills Council. ...more...

2nd July - DEPARTMENT FOR TRANSPORT ANNOUNCES TRANSPORT IMPROVEMENTS FOR WEST BROMWICH
THE Department for Transport has announced that the proposals to improve the A41/A4031 junction in West Bromwich have received Programme Entry status and is eligible for some £22.5m funding through the Regional Funding Allocation. ...more...

23rd May - Planning White Paper is a Curates Egg - Good in Parts
A starting point in a reform process - but one which must build on the progress made by Regional Assemblies and their regional and local partners. This is the view of the West Midlands Regional Assembly to the Government's Planning White Paper which was published on Monday (21st May)...more...

9th May - Access to Finance - Final Hearing 10th May 2007 -
How well does Advantage West Midlands support businesses across the Region in accessing financial support? This question will be posed to Advantage West Midlands at the final hearing of this Strategic Review being carried out by West Midlands Regional Assembly as part of its statutory responsibility to scrutinise the work of the Regional Development Agency...more...

27th April - "IT'S ONLY BRUSSELS?" REPORT ENDORSED
'A lack of strategic direction, confused governance arrangements, imbalance in the distribution of resources and an excess of information over intelligence'. These are amongst the findings of a new report examining how the West Midlands relates to and engages with Europe...more...

23rd April - West Midlands Regional Assembly Meeting - 25th April
The next quarterly meeting of the West Midlands Regional Assembly is taking place at 11.30am on Wednesday 25th April at Staffordshire County Council Offices. ..more.. [PDF 45KB]

16th April - Region's approach to Post-16 Education, Training and Skills
With the largest proportion of people without any qualifications in England and only a small proportion of its workforce with qualifications at NVQ level 3 or above, the question is asked why is the West Midlands falling behind on work force skills? ..more...

4th April - Access to Finance for Business goes under Scrutiny
How easy is it for businesses across the Region to access financial support from Advantage West Midlands? ..more..

14th March - Is there a future for Regional Government? - Assembly Welcomes Government Report
The West Midlands Regional Assembly welcomes a Report published today by a Committee of MPs, which clearly recognises the valuable contribution Assemblies make and also calls for increased powers in terms of their Scrutiny function...more...

13th March - Assembly welcomes Government commitment to tackling Climate Change
Today's Government announcement of a new Draft Climate Change Bill has been welcomed by the West Midlands Regional Assembly as a step in the right direction in tackling this global issue...more...

13th March - Assembly welcomes positive assessment of Advantage West Midlands
Advantage West Midlands' positive assessment by the National Audit Office has been welcomed by West Midlands Regional Assembly...more...

12th March - It's Only Brussels?
Comments are being sought on the outcomes and recommendations of a study into how the West Midlands relates to and with Europe...more...

5th March - Landmark Agreement Signed Between Wales and West Midlands
Stronger cross-border collaboration between Central Wales and the West Midlands should result from a new landmark agreement between the West Midlands Regional Assembly and the Welsh Assembly Government which was launched today (Monday 5th March)...more...

17th January 07 - Assembly expresses bitter disappointment over Cosford decision
At its quarterly meeting, held today (Wednesday 17th January) the West Midlands Regional Assembly passed a resolution expressing its deep disappointment following the Government's announcement that RAF Cosford has not been successful in securing the defence training contract from the Ministry of Defence...more...

8th January 07 - Have your say on the future shape of the West Midlands
A major consultation launched today (8th January) by the West Midlands Regional Assembly, will give individuals, businesses and organisations in the West Midlands the chance to influence the big planning decisions in the Region over the next 15-20 years...more...

8th January 07 - Have your say on the future shape of Shropshire
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8th January 07 - Have your say on the future shape of Staffordshire
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8th January 07 - Have your say on the future shape of Herefordshire
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8th January 07 - Have your say on the future shape of Worcestershire
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8th January 07 - Have your say on the future shape of Warwickshire
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8th January 07 - Have your say on the future shape of Birmingham
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8th January 07 - Have your say on the future shape of Coventry
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8th January 07 - Have your say on the future shape of Solihull
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2nd January 07 - How big, where and how many? Planning Options for the West Midlands
Next Monday, 8th January, will see the start of an eight week consultation which will run until the 5th March and could affect the way we live and work in the West Midlands. ..more..