Fears have been raised that the West Midlands is 'developing talent to benefit other regions' because of a perceived lack of opportunities, according to a new report.
The West Midlands State of the Region 2026 report said the area benefited from a young and diverse population but there was a challenge convincing people they can build a future here. The findings were discussed by members of the West Midlands Combined Authority's (WMCA) Local Scrutiny Committee this week.
Survey reveals confidence gap
A survey found only 37 per cent of respondents felt there were jobs available in the WMCA for them, while 43 per cent agreed there were opportunities to build a fulfilling life here. The report also highlighted that fewer than half of residents would describe the region as offering opportunities, activities, or jobs for 'for people like them.'
Report co-author John Oluwadero, senior analyst (Inclusive Communities), said: "We already have the next generation, our challenge is to ensure they see their future here. One of the West Midlands' greatest strengths is it's young, diverse and growing population. This gives us a strong foundation for future economic growth and innovation. However we know that many talented young people study here and then leave the region to pursue opportunities elsewhere."
Risk of talent drain
Oluwadero added: "Unless residents see a future for themselves in the West Midlands, we risk continuing to develop talent that ultimately benefits other parts of the country. This challenge is compounded by lower levels of volunteering and the fact that many residents feel they have limited influence over local decision making. If we are to realise our ambitions of making the West Midlands the best place to live, work and visit, we must create the opportunities, the sense of belonging and also the quality of life that encourage people to stay and build their future here."
The report said: "Residents' experience of place and opportunity remains uneven across the West Midlands. Levels of civic participation and volunteering are slightly below national average, and fewer residents believe they can influence decisions affecting their local area. While most residents report that people from different backgrounds get on well together, fewer than half of residents would describe the region as offering opportunities, activities, or jobs for 'for people like them.'"
Regional disparities in satisfaction
The 2024/25 Community Life Survey estimated that just over half of residents in the WMCA area would recommend their local area as a good place to live (52 per cent). This is substantially lower than the national average, where two thirds of residents (66 per cent) would recommend their local area as a good place to live. There is also significant variation across local authorities, with 73 per cent of survey respondents in Solihull recommending their area, compared with just 44 per cent in Walsall.
Perceptions of place were further explored in the WMCA 2025 Household Survey, which found that fewer than half of respondents (44 per cent) felt that the WMCA area offers the groups, clubs and activities, jobs, and overall quality of life needed for people like them. Only 37 per cent of respondents felt that there are jobs available in the WMCA area for people like them, while 43 per cent agreed that the region offers opportunities for a fulfilling life for people like them.
Residents less likely to stay
WMCA residents who responded to the Community Life Survey were less likely to want to still be living in their local area in 5 years' time than the national average. Half of respondents (50 per cent) in the WMCA area would still like to still be living in their local area in 5 years' time, compared to 61 per cent nationally.
