Devolution deal for West Yorkshire laid in Parliament

West Yorkshire is closer to becoming a Mayoral Combined Authority as the Order for its multi-million-pound devolution deal was laid in Parliament.

Subject to parliamentary approval, the region’s first ever Mayoral elections will go ahead on 6 May 2021, with the newly elected Mayor and Mayoral Combined Authority given control over an annual £38 million investment fund as well as new powers over transport, education and housing and planning.

The £38 million per year for 30 years is on top of further investment including: £317 million from the Transforming Cities Fund; £101 million government funding for West Yorkshire flood risk management schemes; £25 million Heritage Fund; £3.2 million to support the development of housing sites across West Yorkshire; up to £500,000 for the Bradford Station Masterplan and funding for the Outline Business Case for Leeds station redevelopment; and £75,000 for a West Yorkshire Local Digital Skills Partnership.

Luke Hall, Minister for Regional Growth and Local Government, said: “Today I have laid the Order before Parliament which, if approved, will implement the West Yorkshire Devolution Deal, bringing new powers and tens of millions of pounds a year in new funding to West Yorkshire. This deal is part of our ambitious agenda to level up and deliver devolution across the country.

“It is a significant step towards delivering real benefits to the people of Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds and Wakefield, putting decision-making in the hands of these communities and ensuring local leaders have the tools they need to drive forward the region’s recovery from the pandemic.”