Members of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) Board discussed the Rosewell Review, set up to look at how best to utilise £2.4 billion of devolved transport funding.

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The review, being carried out by economist Bridget Rosewell, has looked at more than 160 projects to assess where they are at in the developmental stage and how and when funding should be allocated to progress them.

A report to the board said there will also be a focus on ensuring funding goes to where it will have the greatest impact.

The review has identified 25 recommendations aimed at enhancing systems and processes and these are now being considered and these are being drawn up into an action plan to be implemented in the coming months.

At a meeting earlier this year, chief executive Ed Cox said 78 of all the projects assessed were still in the ‘conceptual’ stage.

Sandeep Shingadia, Executive Director of Transport, said: “The review has really focused on unlocking investment that supports growth, jobs, housing and better transport links for everyone.

“For Local Authorities, it means clearer priorities, stronger governance and confidence that funding decisions reflect local needs.

“For communities, it means tangible improvements, safer roads, reliable public transport and infrastructure that underpins economic growth and social inclusion.

“Crucially, the review proposes a clear and transparent prioritisation process for the £2.4 billion of Transport for City Regions Funding covering the period of 2027 to 2032.

“This process will ensure funding is focused on the projects that deliver the greatest benefits for communities and the regional economy.

“Using this approach, the review has assessed all 161 projects in the current regional pipeline and grouped them based on benefits, readiness and likely delivery timescales.

“Some projects are ready to proceed in the current funding period, others are important but need further development before funding can be committed.

“Some are longer term proposals that will be delivered in future funding rounds.

“What this will help is to generate that strategic transport investment pipeline of the West Midlands needs, looking forward over the next 10-15 years.

“It is a fundamental change into how this was done previously and not all funding will be allocated up front, nor will an amount be committed to a project before a business case and cost analysis have been properly made.

“A key recommendation of the review is that funding should only be committed at later stages once projects have passed the necessary checks.

“This gives greater flexibility, reduces risks and helps ensure money is spent where it will have the most impact.”