A COMBINED West Midlands authority including Sandwell and Dudley looks a step closer after the State Opening of Parliament.

The Queen’s Speech during the ceremony, which outlines the Government’s plans for new legislation, included a Cities and Local Government Bill which would hand more power to regional politicians.

Under the Bill regions and cities would gain greater control over housing, transport, planning and policing, they would also be able to directly elect a mayor.

The inclusion of the Bill came shortly after Coventry and Solihull decided to join Birmingham, Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton Councils in a proposed combined authority.

Sandwell Council leader, Cllr Darren Cooper, who is spokesman for the combined authority group, said: “For our area this is a once in a generation opportunity to move power from Whitehall to the West Midlands and have a much bigger say in making the key decisions.

“There is a real sense of urgency in the region and politicians are grasping the nettle to transform how our councils work together and to present a credible, ambitious and compelling business case to government.

“We have a clear work plan that includes consulting and working with a range of individuals, residents, businesses and organisations with the aim of developing a prospectus, to be published in the summer.

“This will be the basis for our negotiations with government for a major devolution deal.”