ABSTRACT
Regional priorities included support for substantial investment in the main railway line across the region, which links London with the north-west of England and Scotland. The West Midlands region contains the expected range of central and local government agencies found in other English regions. It includes the Government Office for the West Midlands (GOWM), the West Midlands Local Government Association (WMLGA), the Regional Development Agency 'Advantage West Midlands' and the Regional Chamber. One of the Integrated Regional Offices (IROs) first introduced by the Government in 1994, GOWM's role has continued to evolve since that time. The West Midlands region contains the expected range of central and local government agencies found in other English regions. The WMLGA is the latest manifestation of local government organising itself to secure co-operation and success within the region. This imperative has survived significant changes in local government's administrative structure, including the creation of three new unitary authorities.
