West Midlands Combined Authorty

[richardjones210368]

Whether some of these are good value is a moot point but what is definitely incorrect is that West Midlands Council Taxpayers have had a precept to pay for the mayor and his office/entourage etc etc since 1986. He comes at a cost and whether that is providing value for money is again a moot point - i do not expect to be seeing any objective costings, although I wouldn't put it past him trying to claim the entire benefit for HS2 phase 1, despite the fact that was never going to be dropped anyway (already under construction and far too much money already spent 😉)

https://www.wmca.org.uk/what-we-do/budget-spending/

The cost of The Mayor and the WMCA is on a very similar scale to Centro however the level funding obtained by The Mayor for projects funded by H M Government is significantly higher in the West Midands than previously. Any higher costs in running the office of Mayor is more compensated by the net inflows to the region to the sum of £1.1b over the term of office in the form of the devolution grant. Mr Street declared expenses of £21000 for his first 16 months in office. Mr Street receives a wage of £79000 per year from WMCA in.his role as Mayor. £823000 is recieved from H M Government to run the Mayors Office with a further £265000 raised from each of the 7 local authorities via Council Tax  for the WMCA. Transport for West Midlands is funded by a £121000 levy to each of the 7 local authorities.

[richardjones210368]

That really doesn't answer my questions though.

You stated that Sandwell households received Sandwell Champions yesterday, I live in Smethwick which is part of Sandwell and we didn't receive one via our postman.

Also you have, I agree published the next Ask Andy meeting on the forum and I'm sure it will be a very interesting and informative meeting, why was it when Mr Street was out and about in Sandwell, he couldn't find the time to speak to residents of my town when he spent time in nearly all the other parts of the borough?

I know we have got the platinum 87 & 82 which has been great, but I'm sure a lot of my fellow bus using neighbours would have appreciated a chance to chat to the mayor about our transport links.

The last Ask Andy event in Sandwell was the 10th October. The distribution of Sandwell Champions is by Royal Mail to householders who recieved a postal delivery in Sandwell.

[don]

The cost of The Mayor and the WMCA is on a very similar scale to Centro however the level funding obtained by The Mayor for projects funded by H M Government is significantly higher in the West Midands than previously. Any higher costs in running the office of Mayor is more compensated by the net inflows to the region to the sum of £1.1b over the term of office in the form of the devolution grant. Mr Street declared expenses of £21000 for his first 16 months in office. Mr Street receives a wage of £79000 per year from WMCA in.his role as Mayor. £823000 is recieved from H M Government to run the Mayors Office with a further £265000 raised from each of the 7 local authorities via Council Tax  for the WMCA. Transport for West Midlands is funded by a £121000 levy to each of the 7 local authorities.

So he has claimed £250 per week in attendance and travelling allowance - that's a vast number of meetings then!!

The sums you've shown are a significant burden on the public finances. I think I would have to take issue with you on him being directly responsible for that inward investment - it's more the system that has resulted in that.

Mr Street does not prepare the business cases for infrastructure investment - that is carried out by professional specialists. I suspect that if the mayor was of a political persuasion different from that in national Government the values received for infrastructure, no matter how good the business cases, may not be as successful for purely political reasons.

I wish to take issue with you over the Andy Street success stories as an example of spin with little substance - namely the roll out of pre 0930 concessionary travel for £1 from the example set up by Diamond Bus.

There is a known issue of overcrowding in some areas immediately after 0930 as free concessionary travel kicks in. This affects smaller companies with lower seating capacity vehicles and fewer vehicles, and can cause poor customer experience and feedback. The provision of cheap fares for such travel in the peak is not only not a proven need (maybe a perceived one for firms like Diamond who haven't got the required flexibility to meet varying demand), and it introduces a two tier system for those who can afford to or are willing to pay. This, like the private/public health care would appear to appeal to a certain voting demographic - however they're likely to be driving about in cars and causing congestion anyway. If they did choose to use the bus, then they will just add to peak period overcrowding. So I view this as a completely hollow 'win' provided whereas he should be pursuing operators to provide the right capacity in the first place. A perfect example of a PR sound bite with no real substance to it.

[richardjones210368]

From.@don

1. So he has claimed £250 per week in attendance and travelling allowance - that's a vast number of meetings then!!

2. The sums you've shown are a significant burden on the public finances. I think I would have to take issue with you on him being directly responsible for that inward investment - it's more the system that has resulted in that.

3. Mr Street does not prepare the business cases for infrastructure investment - that is carried out by professional specialists. I suspect that if the mayor was of a political persuasion different from that in national Government the values received for infrastructure, no matter how good the business cases, may not be as successful for purely political reasons.

4. I wish to take issue with you over the Andy Street success stories as an example of spin with little substance - namely the roll out of pre 0930 concessionary travel for £1 from the example set up by Diamond Bus.

5. There is a known issue of overcrowding in some areas immediately after 0930 as free concessionary travel kicks in. This affects smaller companies with lower seating capacity vehicles and fewer vehicles, and can cause poor customer experience and feedback. The provision of cheap fares for such travel in the peak is not only not a proven need (maybe a perceived one for firms like Diamond who haven't got the required flexibility to meet varying demand), and it introduces a two tier system for those who can afford to or are willing to pay. This, like the private/public health care would appear to appeal to a certain voting demographic - however they're likely to be driving about in cars and causing congestion anyway. If they did choose to use the bus, then they will just add to peak period overcrowding. So I view this as a completely hollow 'win' provided whereas he should be pursuing operators to provide the right capacity in the first place. A perfect example of a PR sound bite with no real substance to it.

In Response @don :

1. The Expenses also include Commenwelth Games work expenses.

2. The £1.1b is the grant from H M Gov which would not have been realised without the creation of The Mayors office.

3. Mr Street leads the infastructure projects financed from his budget.

4. Mr Street leads Sprint & other ticketing coordination.

5. Mr Street leads West Midlands Bus for greater service integration making public transport more accessible to all.

Conclusion:

It is therefore fitting that for the legacy of The Mayor and to celebrate the five successful years of Mr Street holding the office of Mayor I understand permission has been granted for a life size abstract collage sculpture to be erected in Centenary Square for the next two years around The Commenwelth Games. I understand the proposed sculpture will be taken away & removed in Late 2022

https://news.google.com/articles/CAIiEOZsin2bDDQfEBuw7_-ZnigqGQgEKhAIACoHCAow2c77CjC-yfQCML7g0wU?hl=en-GB&gl=GB&ceid=GB%3Aen

[BK63 YWP]

From.@don

1. So he has claimed £250 per week in attendance and travelling allowance - that's a vast number of meetings then!!

2. The sums you've shown are a significant burden on the public finances. I think I would have to take issue with you on him being directly responsible for that inward investment - it's more the system that has resulted in that.

3. Mr Street does not prepare the business cases for infrastructure investment - that is carried out by professional specialists. I suspect that if the mayor was of a political persuasion different from that in national Government the values received for infrastructure, no matter how good the business cases, may not be as successful for purely political reasons.

4. I wish to take issue with you over the Andy Street success stories as an example of spin with little substance - namely the roll out of pre 0930 concessionary travel for £1 from the example set up by Diamond Bus.

5. There is a known issue of overcrowding in some areas immediately after 0930 as free concessionary travel kicks in. This affects smaller companies with lower seating capacity vehicles and fewer vehicles, and can cause poor customer experience and feedback. The provision of cheap fares for such travel in the peak is not only not a proven need (maybe a perceived one for firms like Diamond who haven't got the required flexibility to meet varying demand), and it introduces a two tier system for those who can afford to or are willing to pay. This, like the private/public health care would appear to appeal to a certain voting demographic - however they're likely to be driving about in cars and causing congestion anyway. If they did choose to use the bus, then they will just add to peak period overcrowding. So I view this as a completely hollow 'win' provided whereas he should be pursuing operators to provide the right capacity in the first place. A perfect example of a PR sound bite with no real substance to it.

In Response @don :

1. The Expenses also include Commenwelth Games work expenses.

2. The £1.1b is the grant from H M Gov which would not have been realised without the creation of The Mayors office.

3. Mr Street leads the infastructure projects financed from his budget.

4. Mr Street leads Sprint & other ticketing coordination.

5. Mr Street leads West Midlands Bus for greater service integration making public transport more accessible to all.

Conclusion:

It is therefore fitting that for the legacy of The Mayor and to celebrate the five successful years of Mr Street holding the office of Mayor I understand permission has been granted for a life size abstract collage sculpture to be erected in Centenary Square for the next two years around The Commenwelth Games. I understand the proposed sculpture will be taken away & removed in Late 2022

https://news.google.com/articles/CAIiEOZsin2bDDQfEBuw7_-ZnigqGQgEKhAIACoHCAow2c77CjC-yfQCML7g0wU?hl=en-GB&gl=GB&ceid=GB%3Aen

Mr street has only held office for under 3 years, IF he wins the mayoral election in May then he will get to see in the commonwealth games.

Andy street only became mayor with passing the 50% required to win by 0.4% which is a thin margin so it's not going to be a landslide win as you think. It could easily be a labour win, it's just too hard to predict.

It's a bit of bad press saying Andys plan for WM when in fact it's a decision made by the WMCA as they will be implementing it. It should of said WCMA plan for new infrastructure in by implemented by 2040.

I think 20 years is a bit optimistic as the Brierley Extension is only coming to fruition now when it was proposed back in the 00s. The new east side extension which is now going ahead is only going as far as Digbeth which in my eyes should of been to Solihull instead but it's a start (I know money is a factor but the east side is due 2026?) Leaves 14 years for rest of that line and then he wants an underground line (hasn't that been spoken about before and is very expensive to implement) Stourbridge extension from brierley hill is more likely to happen as the rails are already there and possible involve a few bridge rebuilds unless they operate on battery power.

In conclusion I'm happy for this plan to happen but it's a lot of money and 20 years is too optimistic as Govenment has the possibility of changing 4 times 2024/9/34/9 and anything can happen.

[richardjones210368]

Mr street has only held office for under 3 years, IF he wins the mayoral election in May then he will get to see in the commonwealth games.

Andy street only became mayor with passing the 50% required to win by 0.4% which is a thin margin so it's not going to be a landslide win as you think. It could easily be a labour win, it's just too hard to predict.

It's a bit of bad press saying Andys plan for WM when in fact it's a decision made by the WMCA as they will be implementing it. It should of said WCMA plan for new infrastructure in by implemented by 2040.

I think 20 years is a bit optimistic as the Brierley Extension is only coming to fruition now when it was proposed back in the 00s. The new east side extension which is now going ahead is only going as far as Digbeth which in my eyes should of been to Solihull instead but it's a start (I know money is a factor but the east side is due 2026?) Leaves 14 years for rest of that line and then he wants an underground line (hasn't that been spoken about before and is very expensive to implement) Stourbridge extension from brierley hill is more likely to happen as the rails are already there and possible involve a few bridge rebuilds unless they operate on battery power.

In conclusion I'm happy for this plan to happen but it's a lot of money and 20 years is too optimistic as Govenment has the possibility of changing 4 times 2024/9/34/9 and anything can happen.

On the contrary @SL 16 YPN I certainly do not expect an landslide victory if any for Andy Street but will continue to support him personally to the end but not his political party.  I fully agree with all your points and agree this is a roadmap for WMCA

[Dylan4579]

Blimey, Andy Street really has gone all out with the crayons hasn't he?

Wake me up when shoves hit the ground.

[richardjones210368]

Blimey, Andy Street really has gone all out with the crayons hasn't he?

Wake me up when shoves hit the ground.

I personally think of him as king of the crayolas and do not even think of what he can achieve with play dough.......................

[PinkBus]

Still waiting for our Sandwell Champions to be delivered to my home which is a B67 postcode, therefore part of Sandwell. Hurry up please Royal Mail!

My neighbours got quite interested as well.

I do have a genuine question though, the last Sandwell Ask Andy meetings were held on 10/10/19. Were they publicised on the local buses or at bus stops or was it a online access only? I'm asking because I am quite interested in the travel infrastructure in the West Midlands generally and especially in my own little corner of Sandwell.

If it was online access only, may I suggest that it further meetings are to be held, that fliers are placed on local buses with dates and times and also local media.

[richardjones210368]

Still waiting for our Sandwell Champions to be delivered to my home which is a B67 postcode, therefore part of Sandwell. Hurry up please Royal Mail!

My neighbours got quite interested as well.

I do have a genuine question though, the last Sandwell Ask Andy meetings were held on 10/10/19. Were they publicised on the local buses or at bus stops or was it a online access only? I'm asking because I am quite interested in the travel infrastructure in the West Midlands generally and especially in my own little corner of Sandwell.

If it was online access only, may I suggest that it further meetings are to be held, that fliers are placed on local buses with dates and times and also local media.

As far as I am aware the details of the Ask Andy events are always listed in local free newspapers such as The Sandwell Cronchicle and the paid for Express & Star and Birmingham Mail as well as local libraries the only buses it can be carried on.in Sandwell are the West Midlands Bus routes which sadly do not apply to Smethwick as yet.

[PinkBus]

As far as I am aware the details of the Ask Andy events are always listed in local free newspapers such as The Sandwell Cronchicle and the paid for Express & Star and Birmingham Mail as well as local libraries the only buses it can be carried on.in Sandwell are the West Midlands Bus routes which sadly do not apply to Smethwick as yet.

Thank you for that reply. I will keep my eyes open in the future and try  and attend a meeting as it sounds quite interesting.

[richardjones210368]

The following two candidates have announced thier declaration to intend to enter the election for Mayor of The West Midlands Combined Authority.
https://inews.co.uk/news/politics/battle-for-labours-soul-entrist-liam-byrne-leftist-salma-yaqoob-west-midlands-mayor-1386154

[Busboy105]

Mr street has only held office for under 3 years, IF he wins the mayoral election in May then he will get to see in the commonwealth games.

Andy street only became mayor with passing the 50% required to win by 0.4% which is a thin margin so it's not going to be a landslide win as you think. It could easily be a labour win, it's just too hard to predict.

It's a bit of bad press saying Andys plan for WM when in fact it's a decision made by the WMCA as they will be implementing it. It should of said WCMA plan for new infrastructure in by implemented by 2040.

I think 20 years is a bit optimistic as the Brierley Extension is only coming to fruition now when it was proposed back in the 00s. The new east side extension which is now going ahead is only going as far as Digbeth which in my eyes should of been to Solihull instead but it's a start (I know money is a factor but the east side is due 2026?) Leaves 14 years for rest of that line and then he wants an underground line (hasn't that been spoken about before and is very expensive to implement) Stourbridge extension from brierley hill is more likely to happen as the rails are already there and possible involve a few bridge rebuilds unless they operate on battery power.

In conclusion I'm happy for this plan to happen but it's a lot of money and 20 years is too optimistic as Govenment has the possibility of changing 4 times 2024/9/34/9 and anything can happen.

All these new tram lines really makes me think what would happen if the WMCA was made a decade earlier. We would've had a tram network which would rival the Metrolink in Manchester.

[richardjones210368]

All these new tram lines really makes me think what would happen if the WMCA was made a decade earlier. We would've had a tram network which would rival the Metrolink in Manchester.

I think the main difference between Manchester & Birmingham is that Manchester has a fragmented bus network whilst Birmingham basically has one dominant operator therefore the Transport Authority of the day Centro were reluctant to pursue infrastructure projects which may have undermined the financial viability of a commercial company together with the Transport Authority of the day also having no cohesive leadership or direction GMPTE was always more rebellious than WMPTE.

[don]

GMPTE operation was split generally between two operators, Stagecoach to the south and First to the north. The tram network was developed early on and was helped by being able to take over existing rail routes which lent themselves to an LRT approach - however potential LRT in the West Midlands out along the Washwood Heath corridor towards Chelmsley Wood was scuppered in the early 80s by a vociferous campaign by Hodge Hill residents - which seems to have put the dampers on suburban LRT not on old rail routes. I had a quiet chuckle to myself yesterday when the Eastside tram scheme had Solihull and tram in the same sentence - I suspect it may be very unpopular out there!!

I've been meaning to mention this, but it should be said that local democracy involves elected members and professional officers. The political group (elected members) are responsible for approving some Policy (in some cases with sign off by DfT if the activity is not fully delegated), whereas the professional officers develop the strategies, plans and schemes, which are also submitted for political approval - in some cases the politicians ask for specific things to be developed or included. Additionally many decisions are delegated to officers (eg junction layouts etc).

Although the mayor is a figurehead, for instance in London, all day to day operation is with TfL (with districts responsible for instance for non strategic roads. The mayor may have pet schemes (like the rather silly or great, dependent on your viewpoint Borismaster) but much of what happens doesn't go near him - he wouldn't have time.

I suspect this is how it works in the WM area - let's hope so as I hope and suspect Andy Street isn't actually a dictator!!

Some politicians use knowledgable individuals as sounding boards but it is generally professionals who support them.