Disappointing Budget for the West Midlands

Initial thoughts - doesn't seem great for the West Midlands.

The city region bid launched by Birmingham and neighbouring authorities has been rejected, although Treasury documents say "further work is also underway with partners in the West Midlands on their proposals."

These are proposals backed by business leaders including the Chamber of Commerce to improve training provision and public transport.

The Government invited councils to bid for city region status and I'm trying to get an explanation as to why proposals from Leeds and Manchester were accepted while the West Midlands scheme was not. Currently the Treasury are trying to claim it is a matter for the Department for Communities and Local Government (even though it was announced by the Chancellor), so they're clearly not keen on giving a straight answer.

A second major issue is the scrappage scheme, which gives motorists a subsidy on new cars when they exchange old vehicles.

This has been introduced, but not in the way carmakers wanted - as they will have to pay half the cost themselves.