Issue - meetings

It was recommended to the WMCA Board that:

(1)  The contents of the report be noted.

(2)  The comments made by committee in relation to Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Metro Extension Project be noted.

The committee considered a report from the Metro Finance & Commercial Director on the Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Metro Extension Project, which was planned to enter into passenger service in November 2023. The report provided an update regarding current activities, upcoming key milestones, current estimated costs, funding position and the key risks to the project.

It was noted that the report was considered in a private session due to commercially sensitive information as outlined under reference 5.2 of the report, and some members expressed concern regarding this decision. The Monitoring Officer advised members that it was his principle to be transparent in the reports considered in both public and private sessions. In order to facilitate more openness, expressed that he would explore the structure of reports in the future.  

Councillor Cathy Bayton highlighted the importance of the extension for Dudley (and other neighbouring boroughs) in order to boost local skills and rail economy. Committee members raised concerns over the possibility of future freight train operation on the line and suggested that this should not be brought into costing arrangements. It was agreed that the Budget Working Group would oversee the arrangements of the final business case prior to approval at WMCA Board.

The Chair raised also raised concerns that the key decision dates for this project (and the necessary Board reports) had not been included into forward plans, and requested that this be rectified. He also pointed out the need for scrutiny of the business case prior to approval by the WMCA Board.

It was recommended to the WMCA Board that:

(1)  The contents of the report be noted.

(2)  The comments made by committee in relation to Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Metro Extension Project be noted.