Andy Street: Evidence proves Government backs Midlands engine

The West Midlands Mayor said that following a £350 million housing deal signed off by Chancellor Philip Hammond 'the evidence is crystal clear' that ministers are committed to backing the region.

The deal was the first signed off by ministers for any of the UK's regions, and will centre on redeveloping brownfield sites in a bid to build 215,000 homes by 2031.

It comes hot on the heels of new transport plans for the region, which include bringing the rail line between Wolverhampton and Walsall back into public use.

Mr Street said: "The Government is focused and determined in supporting the work we are doing here in the West Midlands.

"We have got this land fund and we were the only place to have done this type of deal – and importantly we were the only region to be referred to by the Chancellor.

"The evidence is crystal clear. Remember, we were also the only area of the country to do the second devolution deal in the autumn statement.

"If you think in the last few months, Government has supported us with the Commonwealth Games...and perhaps most importantly of all, the single most important infrastructure project in Europe, HS2, will give the greatest benefit to the West Midlands.

"This does not sound like the actions of a Government that is ignoring the region."

The housing fund will focus on preparing brownfield sites for redevelopment across the Black Country, with Smethwick and the Walsall to Wolverhampton corridor highlighted as key priorities.

It means the region will aim to build 16,000 homes a year, up from an average of 10,000 over the last three years.

Mr Street hailed the work of the West Midlands Combined Authority in securing the funding.

"Myself and the local councils have been at one in terms of working together to get this money," he said.

"We can provide the number of houses required overwhelmingly on brownfield land. Other areas of the country possibly can't do that."