Why tax more when you can't spend what you've got?

As the Cock of the North plans to throw more millions at his Mayors, what’s Richard Parker doing in the West Midlands?

Enjoying higher business rate income for a start. This year, his fiefdom expects to scoop up £15 million from hard-pressed businesses. This will increase by 10 per cent every year, reaching £19.5 million in 2028, according to the West Midlands Combined Authority’s unaudited report and accounts for last year.

Amid the usual drivel and guff, this tedious document does disclose that Mr Parker is not very good at his job, which is supposed to be spending our money.

His capital budget for building things like Midland Metro tram lines was £653 million but he only managed to get rid of £463 million, a £190 million or 29 per cent shortfall.

He also underspent on his revenue budget. It was £556 million but he only managed to spend £532 million

. All of which makes you wonder why he needs to treat businesses as a cash cow. Yet he’s still pleading poverty. The report claims Mayor Parker faces a £33 million shortfall next year and £29 million the following one.

We shouldn’t worry too much given that he can’t get rid of his money fast enough. Surely it's time for a rebate?