24th November 2008
Ref:0806/Burke
Dear Mr Burke,
Freedom of Information Act
Thank you for your email of 11 November 2008 regarding a Freedom of Information request.
Although the Assembly is not included within the bodies covered by the Freedom of Information
Act, it is our policy to be as open as we can about our work and processes.
Please find below a response to the questions you raised in your message.
Please could you advise the number of meetings held between the Regional Minister for the
West Midlands (Liam Byrne, MP) and members of the West Midlands Regional Assembly,
since the ministers appointment to this office?
Between his appointment as Regional Minister in June 2007 and October 2008 when he
moved to a new government role, members and officers from the Assembly met with Liam
Byrne MP
10 times.
Has the Minister informed the West Midlands Regional Assembly as to his accountability
status to them or to the people of the West Midlands?
It is our understanding that the Regional Minister is accountable to central government in
the same way as any other minister would be. Whilst he has no formal accountability to
the Assembly we have been pleased to have had the opportunity to discuss a number of
critical issues for the West Midlands, such as transport, skills and regeneration with him.
I hope this answers your question, but please contact me if you require any further
information.
Yours sincerely
Olwen Dutton
Chief Executive
West Midlands Regional Assembly
