Economist to advise mayor on £2.4bn transport plan

West Midlands Combined Authority are working on a £2.4bn Transport for City Regions plan

A leading economist who has worked on projects like HS2 has been brought in by the West Midlands mayor to advise on a multi-billion pound transport scheme.

Mayor Richard Parker has appointed Bridget Rosewell CBE to provide independent advice, with a focus on the region's £2.4bn Transport for City Regions package.

The project is designed to deliver dozens of rail, bus, tram, road, cycling and walking projects across the region.

It is expected Ms Rosewell will work alongside the mayor and the region's political leaders to identify new opportunities for infrastructure-led growth and to ensure it is delivered with the best value for money.

Parker said the appointment was about "making every pound work harder for the people of the West Midlands".

"We've secured billions for transport and infrastructure, but we need to stretch that funding as far as possible," he said.

"We need it to have the biggest impact for our residents and the economy.

West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker said the adviser brings a range of expertise to the authority

"We can make that £2.4bn go further if we explore creative ways to quickly deliver infrastructure and mechanisms like tax incremental finance.

"Bridget brings the independent expertise we need to make sure our projects deliver jobs, growth and homes – alongside better transport for local people."

The huge project was announced in June by Parker, who said it would create up to 8,000 jobs in the region.

One of the major projects set to benefit from the scheme is the extension the Metro tram system in Birmingham.

Ed Cox, interim chief executive of the West Midlands Combined Authority, said: "Bridget's advice will help us build transport infrastructure that not only moves people, but also powers business expansion and housing development, to create a more prosperous future for all of our communities."

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.