THE district council, which covers Studley and Alcester, has reversed its decision not to become a part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).

At a full council meeting on Monday, January 25, Stratford-on-Avon District Councillors voted 22 to 11 in favour of joining as a non-constituent member, overturning the council’s original 16 to 14 decision.

A notice of motion was brought to the Council by Councillor Maurice Howse and seconded by Councillor Tony Jefferson after it was initially rejected in October.

Council leader Chris Saint said: "I am pleased that the District Council has taken the decision to be part of the West Midlands Combined Authority and aim to maximising the benefits for our district.

"The decision taken today means that the district council will be able to play an active part in the devolution process currently under development.

"This does not represent a 'super council' as each member of the combined authority retains its independence.

"It just means that there will be better collaboration between councils on strategic issues such as investment, skills, housing and economic development.

"We have always been a big believer in partnership working and where you cannot do things on your own, joining a partnership gives you greater resilience, greater freedom and greater spending powers allowing us to make sure our district benefits as much as possible."

Councillor Bob Sleigh, chair of the WMCA's Shadow Board, said: "We warmly welcome Stratford’s decision. It strengthens our emerging Combined Authority further.

"We recognise Stratford's decision comes at a time when consultation on the first phase partnership has already started, so it won't become a member until later in the year. However they will be welcomed around the shadow board table until such time as formal membership can be progressed."