Whether it be the lack of funding by the BBC in the region, the Government short changing West Midlands Police by £43 million a year or the disproportionate cuts that our local councils have faced, one thing is true, the West Midlands is used to getting a raw deal.

A combined authority and the new investment is a once in a generation opportunity for our region. I firmly believe the West Midlands should have control over transport, skills and investment – issues that are shared across the region.

The government has made it clear that there is only one show in town and that significant funding will only emerge if the West Midlands has a metro mayor. We need to put our differences behind us and seize this opportunity. If the West Midlands misses out while the rest of the country gains then the public will rightly blame us for not taking the tough decisions to secure the region’s prosperity.

Now is not the time parochialism, but for working together. We live in a world which is becoming more competitive by the day and our voice will only be heard if we come together as a region. A combined authority will not undermine local councils but will work on the common issues across the region that impact upon us all.

More powers for the West Midlands means more powers for the citizens of each and every town and city. A stronger West Midlands will make each and every area stronger.

What will change is decisions that impact upon the whole of our region like transport, economic development and investment will be made in the region, not by a mandarin over a hundred miles away in Whitehall as they are now. Underlying all of our arguments is the core belief decisions about the West Midlands are best taken by the West Midlands.

If these powers are good enough for London and Manchester, then the public will rightly ask why not for the West Midlands too? The truth is we must have the courage to see it through and seize those powers.

Now is not the time for excuses but for action. There is a prize to gained and we would be wrong and foolish not to grasp this golden opportunity.

David Jamieson is the West Midlands police and crime commissioner