Decision

(1)   The establishment of the Changing Future Programmes 2026-2029 and the acceptance and deployment of up to £8.234m MHCLG grant funding, including £1.647m confirmed for 2026/27 and £6.587m subject to annual MHCLG approval be approved.

(2)   The allocation of grant funding to Birmingham City Council, Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council and City of Wolverhampton Council, together with the establishment of the WMCA programme management, learning and coordination function required to deliver the programme be approved.

(3)   The creation of 4 new grant funded roles to sit within the system change and inclusion team. Noting that several roles are mandatory within the conditions of the MoU be approved.

(4)   The programme subject to: (i) annual confirmation of Years 2 and 3 funding by MHCLG; (ii) appropriate funding, assurance and compliance provisions being incorporated into grant agreements; and (iii) recruitment, governance, monitoring and risk management arrangement being implemented in accordance with the approved Business Justification Case be approved.

(5)   The Business Justification Case be approved.