West Midlands Leaders Board Discussion Day 28th October 2009

WMLB held a well attended and productive discussion day on 28th October 2009 to help Leaders fully understand the economic challenges facing the Region and to explore how local government can take the leadership role in addressing these.

This meeting identified the following broad areas for focused activity:

• Improving the economic position, image and reputation of the West Midlands and local government within it
• Supporting local authorities to work collectively to address these challenges and provide effective services within tight financial constraints
• Priority policy areas were identified as
  o Helping new and existing businesses to prosper and grow
  o Improving transport and connectivity
  o Raising expectations and skills of our people
  o Supporting the provision of housing to meet our needs
• Integrating these policy areas through a Strategy for the West Midlands with delivery at the most appropriate level including locally and sub regionally.

These ideas will be developed and considered at the next meeting of the WMLB on 19th January 2010.