Chancellor’s Budget deal drives forward plan for a MOTOR CITY

CHANCELLOR Philip Hammond’s Budget unveiled a devolution deal with the region which could pave the way for Coventry becoming the UK’s ‘motor city’ once again.

The second devolution deal between government and West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) reflects the further transfer of powers and resources from London to the Midlands, via the body set up to help deliver economic growth headed by Mayor Andy Street.

While part of the deal aims to drive an ambitious house-building programme another key component is investment in high-tech economic sectors, particularly electric and driverless vehicles.

Coventry car maker Jaguar Land Rover is at the heart of developing these technologies, as is WMG at the University of Warwick, along with many others.

Wednesday’s deal could help bring forward JLR’s ambitions to make Coventry the centre of its electric and autonomous vehicle development and manufacturing plans.

To support jobs growth in emerging technologies, the latest deal commits to the West Midlands’ role as a global centre for the next generation of automotive development.

This builds on the West Midlands’ existing strengths in this sector, focused around Coventry, but with wider benefits to the whole region.

The WMCA recently secured £31million of Government investment to undertake testing of driverless vehicles on key routes in the region (including Coventry), working alongside the private sector.

The WMCA also has an £80m bid for a battery research and development institute for Coventry currently being considered.

Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “This second devolution deal is another important step in empowering our region, giving us more tools to create and sustain growth that everyone can access and benefit from. “The support for automotive technologies is particularly important. The West Midlands has the potential to lead the world in this future industry. “We are in a global race and need the full support of the Government if we are to win it. “We have ambitious plans – working with Coventry City Council, Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership and the University of Warwick – to return car production to Coventry, and Government’s support will be a huge help in this.” The deal was also welcomed by Louise Bennett, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, who said: “The Government is taking measures both in rolling out the infrastructure more widely across the country but also the R&D element of the next generation of vehicles and both are very important to this area.”

The support for automotive technologies is particularly important. The West Midlands has the potential to lead the world in this future industry. Andy Street