Mark Whitehead 17 September 2015

Poor leadership could delay West Midlands devo deal, minister warns

A devolution deal for the West Midlands could be delayed because of poor leadership at one of the main councils involved, local government minister Greg Clark has warned.

He told MPs that Birmingham City Council’s leaders had been too slow to make improvements to the authority and the Government would consider taking it over if they did not act fast.

The West Midlands Combined Authority comprising Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall and Wolverhampton, has submitted a bid to the Government for a devolution package giving them control of £8 billion for transport, skills and growth.

Asked if the lack of improvement made the deal impossible, Mr Clark (pictured) said: ‘The leadership has not been as fleet of foot as I think is needed for the scale of the opportunity, not just for the city of Birmingham but for the West Midlands.’

Asked whether the local authority could be taken over by the Government, Mr Clark told the communities and local government select committee: There are a number of options available.’

In a highly critical report last year former top civil servant Bob Kerslake warned that the council was failing to deliver basic services such as street cleaning and bin collection well enough.

A panel set up by the Government to report on how the authority was improving warned in July that poor leadership was one of the reasons it was failing to solve its problems quickly.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Housing

North West Leicestershire District Council
£64,241 to £74,525 (plus car allowance)
We are currently seeking a new Head of Housing to lead a number of key service areas Leicestershire
Recuriter: North West Leicestershire District Council

Director of People

Bolton Cares
£80,287 – subject to skills and experience
Bolton Cares is on an exciting journey of transformation and growth and we’re looking for a dynamic, people-focused leader to help shape our future. Bolton, Greater Manchester
Recuriter: Bolton Cares

Director of Finance (Strategy) – deputy S151

Nottingham City Council
up to £125k
Nottingham is a bold, vibrant, and exciting Core City at the heart of the UK, alive with potential and ambition. Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Nottingham City Council

Adult Learning Tutor Maths WMF2142e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£35,235.00 - £36,124.00 (pro rata)
We are looking for an inspirational tutor to deliver maths courses to our learners across Carlisle. Carlisle, Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Adult Learning Tutor ESOL English WMF2144e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£35,235 - £36,124 (pro rata)
We are looking for an enthusiastic and self-motivated individual with experience of teaching ESOL. Whitehaven, Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council
Linkedin Banner