18.03.15
Leeds devolution deal ‘disappointing’
West Yorkshire’s devolution deal to give the Leeds city region more control over its own affairs has been branded “disappointing” ahead of its expected unveiling in today’s Budget.
The agreement includes greater control of the region’s skills funding and a lead role in how it supports local businesses. The door has also been left open for further devolution of “fiscal powers”, providing a governance review of the combined authority’s governance structures was carried out.
But Cllr Peter Box, chairman of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA), said the deal was “disappointing” and doesn’t match the scale of the region’s ambitions.
Chancellor George Osborne had indicated recently that the deal was likely to be more in-line with Sheffield’s devolution package rather than Manchester’s.
“But it undermines the government’s claim to want a strong ‘northern powerhouse’. If we are to turn that into reality we need real devolution, including fiscal devolution, to enable us to bring about a step change in the city region’s economy,” said Cllr Box.
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