BIRMINGHAM, WEST MIDLANDS - UK: 13:10PM, FRIDAY JUNE 25TH 2021

The following is my speech, which I gave on behalf of the West Midlands Young Combined Authority, to the Annual Meeting of the West Midlands Combined Authority - held in an in-person and virtual format, at the Civic Centre, Wolverhampton and on Microsoft Teams, on Friday June 25th, 2021:

"Thank You Very Much Councillor Jones, for your as ever encouraging remarks and thank you Councillor Bayton for your words on Transport Scrutiny.

May I firstly place on record and extend my deepest condolences, to the family and friends of 21-year-old Wulfrunian Shakur Pinnock, who lost his life in June 12^th’s e-Scooter accident on Wolverhampton’s Prestwood Road last Friday. I also extend my love to Shak’s partner Chante Hoosing and her family, in hoping for a full recovery for her and seeing that a £5,000 fundraising target to help support both families has almost been reached, demonstrates the real power of community – even at such a difficult moment.

On behalf of us all on the YCA Board and YCA Community, I give you Mr Mayor, Deputy Mayor Sleigh, Commissioner Foster and all who were Elected 7 weeks ago, our biggest and collective congratulations. We hope you enjoy and cherish every moment of your terms of office.

This report sets out the YCA’s achievements from the past year, which Councillor Jones has just set out and it’s crystal clear that when you read the report, I think you will agree that it has been a big year for us and despite the struggles of the Pandemic, we have truly demonstrated the value of Youth Voice – particularly with us looking like the region we are and celebrating diversity in all areas.

We are extremely proud and full of pride; of the progress we have made and are grateful for the support which yourselves at the CA and the whole team at The Beatfreeks Collective have given us. And with a change of partner for 2021/2022, I express our fullest thanks to the Beatfreeks team, for there helping us to get off the ground, through their energy and non-stop passion since Summer 2019.

And it wouldn’t be true, if I didn’t say that we are beyond thankful to Deborah Cadman OBE for her stellar support and constant engagement with us. The Combined Authority’s loss is certainly Birmingham City Council’s gain and may her ground-breaking work – particularly as a Woman in Politics and Participation long continue.

We are really looking forward to building on this fantastic year over the next 12 months. And on that note Councillor Jones and Board Members, I hand over to the Governance Team who will play a short video which we have produced, to accompany our report that I formally second for noting."

ENDS.