Since 1986 Birmingham , Coventry , and Solihull have been effective unitary authorities , but they still remain legally part of the West Midlands . In 1986 the West Midlands County Council was abolished and Birmingham , Coventry , and Solihull became effective unitary authorities , however the West Midlands county name has not been altogether abolished , and still exists for ceremonial purposes , and so these cities still remain outside Warwickshire .