Following Warwickshire County Council’s decision to decide not to join the proposed West Midlands Combined Authority, Jonathan Browning, chairman of the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership, comments: “I firmly believe Coventry and Warwickshire is better together because we will be much stronger and will have a greater influence on creating the right economic conditions to create jobs and for businesses to flourish.
“There is no doubt we have a strong economy in the area which is working well with the private and public sector having a joined-up approach.
“If we remain solely as Coventry and Warwickshire, we won’t have the opportunity to make the most of government funding opportunities which devolution in the West Midlands would provide.
“It is important we try to find a way to tap into the resources available if devolution in our region goes ahead as well as maintain the speed and responsiveness which we are renowned for in Coventry and Warwickshire.
“I would expect to see a significant economic uplift from the Combined Authority and devolution. Coventry and Warwickshire should look to benefit from this while maintaining our focus on local issues.
“There is an opportunity for Warwickshire County Council to play an important role in the development and success of the West Midlands Combined Authority without being involved in all the complexities and consequences of its final decisions such as an elected mayor.
“I am sure all local authorities in Coventry and Warwickshire will continue to work closely with the CWLEP for the benefit of people and businesses here and we must work through any issues which arise.”