Concerns have been raised that the West Midlands is nurturing talented young individuals who then leave the region in search of better job prospects and opportunities elsewhere. This trend emerged from the West Midlands State of the Region 2026 report, which acknowledges the area’s advantages of a young, diverse, and expanding population, while also highlighting the challenge of convincing residents that they can build prosperous futures locally.
The report was recently discussed at a meeting of the West Midlands Combined Authority’s (WMCA) Local Scrutiny Committee. Findings from a survey revealed that only 37 per cent of respondents felt there were suitable jobs available for them within the WMCA area, and just 43 per cent agreed that the region offered opportunities to establish a fulfilling life.
John Oluwadero, senior analyst for Inclusive Communities and co-author of the report, emphasised the need to retain young talent: “We already have the next generation here; the challenge is ensuring they see their future in the West Midlands. One of our region’s greatest strengths is its young, diverse and growing population, which provides a strong foundation for future economic growth and innovation. However, many talented young people study here but then leave to pursue opportunities in other regions. Unless residents see a future for themselves here, we risk continuing to develop talent that ultimately benefits other parts of the country.”
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He further noted that this challenge is intensified by lower levels of volunteering and a widespread feeling among residents that they have limited influence over local decision-making. Oluwadero stressed that realising ambitions to make the West Midlands the best place to live, work and visit requires creating opportunities, fostering a sense of belonging, and enhancing overall quality of life to encourage people to stay and build their futures locally.
The report also highlights uneven experiences across the West Midlands in terms of community and opportunity. Civic participation and volunteering rates are slightly below the national average, and fewer residents believe they can influence decisions affecting their local areas. While there is generally a positive sense of community among people from different backgrounds, fewer than half of residents feel the region offers opportunities, activities or jobs that suit people like them.
Data from the 2024/25 Community Life Survey revealed that just over half (52 per cent) of WMCA residents would recommend their local area as a good place to live, substantially less than the national average of 66 per cent. Opinions varied significantly across local authorities, with Solihull scoring 73 per cent and Walsall only 44 per cent.
Further insights from the WMCA 2025 Household Survey showed that fewer than half (44 per cent) of respondents believe the area provides sufficient groups, clubs, activities, jobs and quality of life for people like them. Specifically, only 37 per cent felt there were relevant job opportunities for them locally, and 43 per cent agreed that the region offers opportunities for a fulfilling life.
Additionally, fewer residents in the WMCA area expressed a desire to remain living locally in five years' time compared to national figures. Half (50 per cent) of respondents wished to stay in their local area over the next five years, compared to 61 per cent nationally.
These findings underscore the need for targeted efforts to improve economic and social opportunities in the West Midlands, ensuring that talented young people can envision a prosperous future within the region rather than seeking prospects elsewhere.