West Midlands Takes Bold Steps to Become an Anti-Racist Region
This month, the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) is taking decisive action to advance equity and opportunity for all residents, relaunching initiatives to make the region an Anti-Racist Region where everyone, in every place, can thrive.
Relaunch of the Race Equity Taskforce
The Race Equity Taskforce (RET) has been relaunched with a sharper, more strategic role, reflecting the region’s renewed commitment to racial equity. Its first meeting on 2 February, coinciding with National Race Equality Week, brought together the Taskforce’s new Independent Chair, Pat Carvalho, and Mayor Richard Parker, who welcomed members and outlined the direction for the year ahead.
The Taskforce’s mission is clear: to provide strategic advice and constructive challenge to the WMCA, embedding equity and community voices into regional decisions and activity. Moving from a focus on “equality” to “equity” acknowledges that many communities continue to face persistent barriers to success.
The West Midlands is the most ethnically diverse region outside London, with 44% of residents not identifying as White British. Research shows that racialised communities still experience higher levels of poverty, lower employment, overcrowded housing, and more obstacles when trying to grow businesses — disparities that affect the region as a whole.
By concentrating on core WMCA activity, the Taskforce will support delivery of the WMCA Growth Plan. It will help identify and remove barriers that prevent people from accessing good jobs, affordable housing, reliable travel, and business support, ensuring that no one is left behind.
The Taskforce’s approach is already showing results. The Community Business Growth Hubs programme, co-designed with the WMCA Business Growth West Midlands in 2024, now supports hundreds of entrepreneurs who would otherwise struggle to access mainstream business support. This initiative demonstrates how equity-led design can expand opportunity across the region.
Anti-Racist Statement Endorsed by WMCA Board
Alongside the Taskforce relaunch, the WMCA Board has agreed on a new Anti-Racist Statement (13 February), which has not yet been officially published. Presented by Pat Carvalho, the statement builds on the Mayor’s commitment to the BRIG Pledge and the Birmingham City Partnership Board’s Forward Together Statement.
Rooted in the Growth Plan, the statement recognises the urgent need to remove barriers that hold people back, including those rooted in racism. It commits the WMCA to stand in solidarity with communities and ensure everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
Once published, the statement will be signed by the Mayor and the leaders of the seven constituent authorities — Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall, and Wolverhampton — marking a long-term, collective commitment to equity and opportunity for all.
