West Midlands Budget Approved No Extra Tax for Local Residents

The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) approved their budget. They met Friday, February 7th, to consider it. Councils will pay more to the transport fund, but taxpayers will not pay an extra precept.

WMCA board members approved the budget unanimously, without discussion. The transport levy increased by £3.6 million, rising from about £119 million to almost £123 million.

A report noted pressures on transport caused by inflation and funding losses.
Past decisions avoided levy increases.
About 76% of the levy funds transport schemes that help qualifying people travel freely and subsidize buses.

The WMCA can charge councils for transport. This includes Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall, and Wolverhampton. Birmingham’s payment will rise by about £1.3 million, and Coventry will pay about half a million more.

Dudley will pay about $340,000 more, while Sandwell will pay about $420,000 more. Solihull will contribute about $220,000 extra. Walsall will pay roughly $350,000 more, and Wolverhampton will pay about $420,000 extra.

Members voted not to add a mayoral precept, meaning no extra tax for West Midlands people. Mayor Richard Parker said he has no intention of this, as he believes people already pay enough taxes here.

Fees by local authorities will stay the same. The mayoral office budget will increase by £40,000 because of staffing costs, which is still less than previously expected.