West Yorkshire leaders have approved a landmark budget of over £1.2 billion to boost growth and deliver a better‑connected, better‑skilled and better‑built region.
Meeting with Mayor Tracy Brabin, the leaders of Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds and Wakefield signed off on more than £1,200,000,000 of spending, ahead of the region taking control of its first‑ever integrated settlement from April.
The budget is structured to drive economic growth and prosperity through three pillars:
- A better‑connected West Yorkshire
- A region of learning and creativity
- More and better homes
Leaders discussed a £487 million revenue budget alongside £767 million of capital investment, agreeing to deliver immediate benefits while laying foundations for transformational change in housing and infrastructure. The integrated settlement will allow West Yorkshire to align investment across transport, skills, housing and business support, shifting the region from planning to delivery.
Transport remains the backbone of Combined Authority investment. A £251 million transport revenue budget for the next financial year will fund concessionary travel, tendered bus services, and the Mayor’s Fares scheme to keep fares low, while supporting the transition to bus franchising and the operation of stations and interchanges.
Capital transport investment includes:
- £326 million via the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS)
- £126 million via the West Yorkshire Transport Fund
- £125 million via the Transforming Cities Fund
Together, these will deliver major improvements to bus, rail and active travel, and prepare the assets needed for a fully‑franchised bus network and future mass transit.
Over £86 million is allocated to training and employment support, including £75 million for adult skills programmes, and £11 million Connect to Work funding to help residents with disabilities and health conditions secure, stay in and succeed in good jobs. Alongside this, there will be an additional £10 million from the region’s Economic Inactivity Trailblazer to tackle acute skills gaps, helping employers fill vacancies and grow
This investment will enable residents to progress into good work faster, supporting growth in advanced manufacturing, health and digital technologies, financial and professional services, the green economy, and the creative industries.
The Combined Authority will use integrated settlement flexibilities to bring forward a pipeline of high‑quality, affordable homes in thriving town and city centres.
Creating safer communities is a core priority. The capital programme includes £8 million to reduce flood risk and protect homes and businesses from extreme weather, as well as £4.3 million (subject to Home Office confirmation) to support the Violence Reduction Partnership.
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said:
“This historic budget is all about three things – delivery, delivery, and delivery.
“By investing in the high‑quality homes people want, the skills and employment support people need, and the quick and reliable transport links people deserve, we will transform the economy and society of West Yorkshire for generations to come.
“For our communities, this will mean better buses, the next steps towards mass transit, warmer and more affordable homes, and faster and simpler routes into good jobs.
“This is how we’ll boost business growth and put more money in people’s pockets.”
From April, the integrated settlement - £398 million in 2026–27, rising over the next four years – brings transport, skills, housing and other funding under one, flexible arrangement. In total, almost £2 billion will be invested across the next four years, supporting projects that drive inclusive growth and raise living standards.
Accountability will also be strengthened through a new corporate plan and outcomes framework, ensuring transparent measurement of progress against regional priorities.
Image credit: iStock
