WMCA approves pay rise to attract new chief

8 hours ago

Gurdip ThandiLocal Democracy Reporter

News image — West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker said the wage increase would help the combined authority "attract and recruit and retain the best people"

BBC A man with grey hair and glasses who is wearing a dark blue suit and light blue tie. He is standing on a roof top with buildings in part of Birmingham visible behind him. — West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker said the wage increase would help the combined authority "attract and recruit and retain the best people"

An increased salary of up to £250,000 has been agreed to help attract a new top boss to West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).

Members of WMCA Board approved its pay policy statement for 2026/27 with an increase in the chief executive's salary grade to £197,825 to £250,000. It previously was £180,000 to £215,000.

West Midlands mayor Richard Parker, the WMCA chair, told the meeting: "It is important for us to ensure we attract and recruit and retain the best people here and across the region".

The board, which has been trying to fill the CEO post, said the move put the region in line with other combined authorities and reflected the "level of responsibility".

A new permanent chief executive has not been appointed since the departure of previous CEO Laura Shoaf, who stepped down in June.

Deputy chief executive Ed Cox stepped in as interim, and last October that arrangement was extended for another six months after board members were told the recruitment process had failed to find a suitable candidate.

Department for Transport Laura Shoaf has shoulder-length light brown hair. She is wearing small hoop hearings and is slightly smiling towards the camera — Laura Shoaf stepped down as chief executive in June

'Multi-billion pound budget'

Combined authorities exist to grow economies in their regions, with the WMCA saying it has a four-year, multi-billion pound budget "to drive economic growth, new jobs, affordable housing and better public transport".

A spokesperson said: "Due to the size and global status of the West Midlands, the role of chief executive is one of regional government's most senior jobs, and the salary reflects this level of responsibility.

"The new wage structure brings us into line with Greater Manchester, Liverpool and West Yorkshire combined authorities, and keeps us competitive for a role at the helm of an ambitious, trailblazing organisation."

Google General view of the West Midlands Combined Authority's head office in Summer Lane in Birmingham. A woman dressed in black holding a white bag can be sen walking into a building — The new WMCA salary range for CEO is £197,825 to £250,000

West Yorkshire Combined Authority offers a flat £197,825 while Liverpool City Region Combined Authority offers a minimum of £205,304 and a maximum of £229,209.

Greater Manchester Combined Authority offers a £220,000 to £250,000 wage to its chief executive.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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