Plans for a combined authority to help govern the West Midlands are "untested," a watchdog warns.

Next year, voters in a conurbation of more than three million people, from Wolverhampton to Coventry and from Sparkhill to Solihull, will be asked to elect their first 'metro mayor' - a figure akin to London's Boris Johnson, who would chair a West Midlands Combined Authority.

The government says there has been huge progress in its devolution agenda, but according to a National Audit Office (NAO) report, such a programme in the West Midlands poses "more complex" issues than areas in which there is a more natural crossover between institutions. 

The report says: "The arrangements are experimental and unlikely to work as intended in all areas and for all functions and services devolved."

Louise Hancock
Newsreader, BBC WM

Here are some of the main stories in the newsroom today:

- Halesowen and Rowley Regis Conservative MP James Morris says the government's announcement that it is ready to take a 25% stake in the loss-making Tata steelworks is not a u-turn

- A civic memorial event to celebrate the life and achievements of Sandwell Council leader Darren Cooper will be held at West Bromwich Town Hall today

- There will be talks today between British Gas bosses and Warley MP John Spellar following an announcement over planned job cuts

The crackdown on quad bikes continues in Solihull, police say.

A broken-down vehicle is causing problems on the M6 northbound between Junction 10 (Walsall) and 10a (M54), Highways England says.

Two lanes are closed.

Three people from Birmingham arrested on suspicion of terror-related offences remain in police custody this morning after detectives were given more time to question them.

Successful warrants for further detention mean the two men, aged 26, and a woman, 29, will be questioned in the West Midlands for a further seven days following their arrest last week.

A fourth man, also from Birmingham, has been charged with possession of CS gas and has been bailed to appear before magistrates next month. A 59-year-old man remains on bail with strict conditions while the investigation continues.

Assistant Chief Constable Marcus Beale said: "We continue to work with the wider counter terrorism police network, MI5 and international partners to address any associated threat to the UK following the attacks in Europe. Our top priority, of course, is to do all we can keep the public safe here and abroad."

Charlie Slater
BBC Weather presenter

A much colder day with plenty of cloud around and only a few brighter and sunnier spells.

A couple of spots of drizzle are possible with highs of 11C (52F).

An "incident at the depot" this morning was behind disruption on the Cross City Line this morning, London Midland says. Fewer trains were running for a time but problems have now been solved.

BBC Travel

One lane closed and slow traffic on M6 northbound between J5, A452 (Castle Bromwich) and J6 A38(M) Aston Expressway, because of a broken-down vehicle. 

More details on BBC Travel. 

Good morning from the WM newsroom. We'll be bringing you all the latest news, sport, travel and weather for Birmingham and the Black Country as it happens.

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