West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker to use new tax powers for jobs, homes and transport

Mayor Richard Parker of the West Midlands Combined Authority said the landmark devolution of a share of regional income tax and business rates will be spent on creating jobs, expanding affordable housing and improving transport links across the region. He highlighted the ability to direct millions of pounds of revenue to local priorities without Westminster obstruction.

Parker announced a £2 million investment to regenerate the former Phoenix School site in Telford, delivering 207 new homes, including 86 social‑rent units. The scheme aims to address the region’s shortage of affordable homes, where over 60,000 people are on waiting lists and thousands live in temporary accommodation. “My priority since taking office has been to turbocharge the construction of more social rent housing,” he said. The development will be carried out by Lovell Partnerships, with 50 of the homes slated for private rent through council‑owned lettings firm NuPlace.