Plans for the West Midlands Combined Authority's £1.3 billion Brownfield Housing Fund programme for 2025-26 are set to be approved next week, despite a formal objection from a local MP who claims the proposals lack transparency and fail to address critical funding gaps.
What Happened
The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) board will meet on Friday to consider the latest allocation of the Brownfield Housing Fund, which aims to deliver thousands of new homes on previously developed land across the region. The programme, which has been running since 2020, has already supported the delivery of over 14,000 homes, according to WMCA documents.
However, Birmingham Erdington MP Paulette Hamilton has submitted a formal objection to the plans, citing concerns that the funding allocation for her constituency has been significantly reduced compared to previous years. In a letter to the WMCA, she argues that the proposed £12 million for Erdington projects is insufficient to meet the area's housing needs and fails to account for rising construction costs.
Details of the Objection
Hamilton's objection focuses on three key areas: the reduction in funding for Erdington, the lack of a detailed breakdown of how the money will be spent, and the absence of a clear timeline for project delivery. She has also raised concerns about the potential impact on local communities if projects are delayed or scaled back.
"The people of Erdington have waited too long for the homes they were promised," Hamilton said. "This funding cut is a betrayal of the community, and I urge the WMCA board to reconsider before approving these plans."
WMCA Response
In response, WMCA officers have defended the proposals, stating that the allocation is based on an independent assessment of housing need and deliverability. They argue that the programme remains on track to meet its target of 21,000 homes by 2031, with over £800 million already invested in site remediation and infrastructure.
A WMCA spokesperson said: "The Brownfield Housing Fund has been a success story for the region, transforming derelict sites into thriving communities. We understand the concerns raised, but the proposed allocation reflects the best use of resources to maximise housing delivery across the whole of the West Midlands."
Impact on Housing Delivery
If approved, the new funding round would support an estimated 3,500 new homes in 2025-26, bringing the total delivered through the programme to over 17,500. The plans also include £50 million for site remediation in the Black Country and £30 million for the Birmingham City Centre regeneration zone.
However, critics argue that the overall housing crisis in the region requires more ambitious action. According to the National Housing Federation, the West Midlands needs to build at least 25,000 homes per year to meet demand, but current delivery is only around 15,000.
Next Steps
The WMCA board meeting on Friday will consider the objection alongside the officer recommendation to approve the plans. If approved, funding allocations will be confirmed for individual projects in early 2025, with construction expected to begin on most sites within 18 months.
Hamilton has vowed to continue campaigning on the issue, and has called for a public consultation on the fund's priorities. The WMCA has said it will review the objection and provide a detailed response at the meeting.
