Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, with reference to the additional £100 million for local apprenticeship services announced on 28 September 2026, what allocation will be made to the West Midlands Combined Authority; and when that allocation will be confirmed and made available.

The government is investing £240 million to pilot enhanced apprenticeship brokerage services across all 14 Mayoral Strategic Authorities (MSAs). The programme will help more young people aged 16-24, particularly those who are not in education, employment or training (NEET), to access apprenticeship opportunities while supporting employers to recruit local talent.

The maximum amount each MSA could secure under this programme was £10 million to support the delivery of the pilot. Following its approval as a Wave 1 area, this funding allocation was confirmed directly to the West Midlands Combined Authority on 28 September 2026.

The department is currently finalising grant agreements with Wave 1 MSAs. Funding will be paid in stages, in line with the terms of the grant agreement, rather than as a single lump sum.