West Midlands Reviews £2.4bn Transport Programme to Refocus Investment

The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) has launched a review of how major transport schemes are prioritised and funded, as it seeks to ensure £2.4bn of devolved transport funding delivers maximum benefit for communities across the region.

The exercise will examine more than 160 projects at varying stages of development and assess how funding should be allocated between 2027 and 2032.

Regional leaders say the aim is to sharpen priorities, strengthen governance and provide greater transparency over how decisions are made.

Sandeep Shingadia, WMCA’s executive director of transport, told board members that the review would help align funding with local needs.

“It means clearer priorities, stronger governance and confidence that funding decisions reflect local needs,” he said.

Clearer Pipeline, Stronger Oversight

The review is being led by economist Bridget Rosewell, who has been tasked with developing what officials describe as a “clear and transparent prioritisation process”.

Up to 25 recommendations have been identified to improve project management and oversight, with an action plan due to be rolled out in the coming months.

The goal is to create a more structured long-term transport investment pipeline, providing visibility over schemes likely to move forward in the next funding round and those that require further development.

“Some projects are ready to proceed in the current funding period, others are important but need further development before funding can be committed,” Shingadia said.

“Some are longer-term proposals that will be delivered in future funding rounds.

“What this will help is to generate that strategic transport investment pipeline of the West Midlands needs, looking forward over the next 10-15 years.”

Schemes Under Consideration

Projects referenced during discussions include the proposed Metro extension serving the £3bn Sports Quarter and Birmingham City FC’s planned new stadium, alongside upgrades to Witton and Aston railway stations to support matchday and everyday connectivity around Aston Villa’s ground.

The review is not expected to cancel schemes outright but instead to clarify readiness, affordability and strategic fit within the region’s wider transport objectives.

By reassessing its programme now, WMCA hopes to avoid fragmented delivery and ensure that available funding is directed towards projects capable of delivering measurable economic, social and connectivity benefits.

The authority’s devolved transport settlement provides long-term certainty compared with competitive bidding rounds, but also places greater responsibility on regional leaders to demonstrate that investment decisions are robust, evidence-based and aligned with local growth ambitions.

Board members were told the refreshed approach would help ensure future spending supports both immediate infrastructure needs and longer-term regional transformation.