A PUBLIC consultation into the powers of an elected mayor heading up the planned West Midlands Combined Authority has been launched this week.

Seven councils, including Dudley and Sandwell, have approved the creation of a mayoral combined authority and are now consulting on the mayor’s functions.

Questions being asked include whether an elected mayor should have the power to raise the business rate, in agreement with the relevant Local Enterprise Partnership Boards.

The councils would also like to see a mayor have compulsory purchase powers, with consent from the appropriate local authority, in order to push housing and economic growth.

The public are also being quizzed on their views about a mayor having delegated functions to help cut emissions to improve poor air quality and powers to ensure the region benefits from the growth in HS2.

It is suggested a mayor could also act as a conduit bringing together partners from education, industry and voluntary sector to boost skills and training.

Dudley Council leader Councillor Pete Lowe said: “We have created the West Midlands Combined Authority with the clear purpose of improving the prosperity of the region for its people and businesses.

“Government has recognised that we can work together effectively, which is why we have been able to negotiate a devolution agreement that brings an extra £36.5 million a year to the region over the next 30 years – resulting in an £8 billion investment package.

“A condition of this first Devolution Agreement was an elected mayor, which we have been able to accept because of the significance of the Agreement to the region’s economy.”

Combined authority chairman Councillor Bob Sleigh said a mayor would provide a strong voice for the region.

He added: “I encourage residents, businesses, community groups and partners from across the region to complete the consultation and have their say.”

The consultation opened on Monday and runs until midnight on Sunday August 21.

Its findings will be sent to the Secretary of State and Department for Communities and Local Government to help inform the decision before an order is laid before Parliament.

The consultation is available online at the WMCA website along with supporting documents to help people come to a view on how the WMCA and mayor will work together.

It is also available in hard copy on request at libraries and some council public buildings across the region, including Dudley Council Plus.

Dudley borough residents are also being encouraged to take part in a further short survey on the WMCA at dudley.gov.uk/surveys/combinedauthority/sncombined_authority.htm