Inclusive Growth and the West Midlands: Transport Strategy
James Stanyer
For the past year, I have had the opportunity to research the West Midlands Combined Authority’s approach to inclusive growth. Although the concept is debated, the definition offered by the OECD is a good starting point:
“Economic growth that creates opportunity for all segments of the population and distributes the dividends of increased prosperity, both in monetary and non-monetary terms, fairly across society.”
Delivering an inclusive growth strategy is a complicated process. A variety of policy strands make up the recipe, with the methods for success a complex mix of trial and error. Interestingly, in the West Midlands, transport strategy is arguably the most visible measure introduced to date.
Movement for Growth is a policy which is central to the combined authority’s inclusive growth strategy. In fact, Councillor Lawrence, the Lead Member for Transport at the West Midlands Combined Authority, describes the positioning of transport at “the heart of those plans”. The positive impact of an improved transport system will consist of job creation, economic growth, housing, air quality and health outcomes.
Key infrastructure projects underway in the West Midlands include the construction of the high-speed rail link between Birmingham and London, expansion of Birmingham airport and further extensions to the Midland Metro. Smaller scale improvements consist of the reopening of rail stations, more environmentally friendly buses and a so-called SPRINT bus network on some of the key arterial routes. Cycling is also encouraged with the first cycle rental system launched in the region and further designated cycling lanes created.
The question, though, is what role do these developments have in creating an inclusive growth project in the region? According to Movement for Growth the strategy:
“will serve economic growth…by widening labour markets, unlocking sites for development, providing attractive centres for business location, giving people access to skills, education and training.”
and:
“open up more possibilities for the existing population to access desired destinations, particularly to promote greater economic growth and inclusion.”
As with all policies, there are both positive and negative elements to the arguments made for the transport strategy. It is unquestionable that an update to the region’s often fragmented and inconsistent public transport sector is desirable. Additionally, with the implementation of clean air zones across the region there will be higher demand for public transport into the cities and towns where many people access employment and education as well as leisure activities.
In terms of job creation too, there is a clear argument that opening up new sites for construction and development through better transport links can help rejuvenate previously derelict and unloved parts of the West Midlands. Furthermore, the improvement in transport is viewed as a crucial part of delivering a successful 2022 Commonwealth Games and ensuring a positive legacy afterwards.
However, questions remain about the effect these changes will have on the areas of the West Midlands that most need inclusive growth. The Black Country, for example, will have improved links into Birmingham. What this does not solve, though, is the creation of jobs, educational and health outcomes and opportunity for those living and working outside of the large towns and cities. Even in the ICRD’s home of Wolverhampton, advertising surrounding the current metro expansion highlights the entertainment, leisure and business opportunities opened up by being closer to Birmingham:
Of course, it is not fair to expect one strand of policy to be able to address inclusive growth on its own. Further down the line, the role of transport and its effectiveness in tackling inequalities in the region will be better analysed. The challenge for the combined authority will be to ensure that their transport strategy does not purely pull people into areas where inclusive growth is less essential. Instead, the strategy must improve and regenerate areas where inequalities are at their starkest.
