UKIP councillors have welcomed moves to give people the chance to have their say over plans to create a combined authority for the West Midlands.

The party’s group on Dudley Council voted against the combined authority last year arguing there was insufficient consultation. 

Cllr Paul Brothwood claimed pressure from UKIP and changes by central government had led to the launch of the latest consultation exercise.

The move gives residents the chance to have their say on the devolution deal and metro mayor before councillors’ vote on the combined authority.