28.05.20
Devolution deal worth £1.8bn takes major step forward
The West Yorkshire devolution deal, worth more than £1.8bn in local funding, took a major step forward last week as councils gave the green light for public consultation.
Five West Yorkshire authorities and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority held meetings on the delivery of the West Yorkshire devolution deal, and agreed to go ahead with the public consultation, which began on May 25.
The public consultation is open for eight weeks, finishing on July 19, and feedback will be considered by the councils in the summer before being submitted to Government.
The deal, which was announced in the March 2020 Budget, will bring over £1.8bn of investment for the region into local control, including £38m per year for 30 years, with the freedom to spend on local priorities.
It will also mark the change of the existing Combined Authority, into a Mayoral Combined Authority and will see the creation of a directly elected Mayor for West Yorkshire in May 2021.
In a joint statement, West Yorkshire Leaders said:
“This is an important milestone in delivering the West Yorkshire devolution deal, which will drive up living standards through investment in transport, improving skills and supporting business.
“Although this deal was signed in what now feels like a very different time, its importance has only grown as our region responds to the COVID-19 pandemic and plans for the recovery of our economy and our communities.
“We know that our region is particularly vulnerable to economic downturns and some of our communities will be among those hardest hit. The additional funding from this deal, more than £1.8 billion, and the freedoms it provides to make major decisions will be crucial as we shape a recovery that ensures all our communities are supported and strengthened.
“Over the longer term, our commitment remains to raising living standards, improving air quality and tackling the climate emergency while making a full contribution to the UK’s economic recovery and long-term growth.”
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