THE debate about the future of local government in the West Midlands is about to enter a new phase.

Today (February 8) is the last chance for people to take part in a consultation on proposals for a new combined authority structure.

Under the plan councils including Dudley, Sandwell, Birmingham, Walsall, Coventry, Wolverhampton and Solihull will join forces with Local Enterprise Partnerships to promote economic growth in the region.

A survey on the plan to establish a West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) closes today (Monday) at 5pm.

Results will be presented to government will then decide whether it is in the region’s best interests to proceed with the WMCA.

Councillor Bob Sleigh, shadow chairman of the emerging WMCA, said: “We have had a big response to the survey and I would like to thank participants for getting involved. This is clearly a subject that is important to many people and of course crucial to the region as a whole.”

Supporters of the plan say local councils will not lose any control of their individual areas and the WMCA would help develop an overall strategy to help business grow and give the West Midlands more clout in negotiations with Westminster.

Opponents argue the authority will hand more power to a metropolitan mayor and lead to higher business rates for companies in the region.

For more details on the plan click here, to go straight to the survey click here.