Draft West Yorkshire devolution deal to go before Leeds council chiefs

The deal would West Yorkshire have its own directly elected mayor, as well as increased public spending power in exchange for extra responsibilities from central government.

Basic terms of the deal were first announced back in the Spring, and Leeds City Council’s Executive Board is expected to meet next week to ratify the terms.

A report, which has been posted to the online meeting agenda read: “The next stage in the process for enacting the deal requires the combined authority and each constituent council to provide their consent to the Order required to establish a mayoral combined authority for West Yorkshire. ”

“Executive Board will be asked to provide Leeds City Council’s consent when it

meets on 24 November.”

It added, however, that a full report detailing the recommendation had been put on hold due to a delay in receipt of the new version of a draft order from Government.

It added: “This delay is outside the control of the combined authority or constituent councils.

“Once the draft order is received, it will be reviewed to ensure it reflects the ‘minded to’ devolution deal and scheme, and includes the expected functions and supporting legislation. The substantive report will then be published.”

The final deal is expected to include £38m of funding over 30 years into the West Yorkshire Investment Fund, £317m from the Transforming Cities Fund and control over the £63m annual Adult Education budget.

The deal is set to be discussed at a Leeds City Council Executive Board meeting on November 24.

What does Leeds get?

According to a document from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Leeds is set to receive, as part of the deal:

£25 million to support the development of a British Library North in Leeds

Funding to support the redevelopment of Leeds rail station to prepare the city for HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail.

New cycle infrastructure to link communities on the edge of the city centre with new jobs and colleges both in the city centre in Leeds South Bank by bike.

New bus priority measures in east Leeds to improve capacity for commuters travelling into Leeds city centre as well as reduce congestion and improve reliability for residents and commuters.

A new rail station at the White Rose Centre.