Signed, sealed, delivered: £38m-a-year devolution deal for West Yorkshire to become law

The £38m-a-year devolution deal for West Yorkshire was signed into law today, paving the way for a new mayor to be elected in May.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Minister for regional growth and local government Luke Hall signed the order for the deal, which he said would unlock more than £1bn of funding over 30 years controlled by a directly-elected mayor.

The new mayor, who is expected to be chosen in May if local polls go ahead, will have new powers over transport, education and housing and regeneration, as well as control of the adult education budget.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Mr Hall said: “I am delighted to have signed the West Yorkshire devolution deal into law today, unlocking over £1bn of funding over 30 years and significant new powers for West Yorkshire.

Devolution photocall with the leaders of the local councils, Granary Wharf, Leeds. Pictured from the left are Shabir Pandor (kirklees Council Leader), Tim Swift (Calderdale) Susan Hinchcliffe (Bradford) Judith Blake (Leeds) and Denise Jeffery (Wakefield). Photo: Simon HulmeDevolution photocall with the leaders of the local councils, Granary Wharf, Leeds. Pictured from the left are Shabir Pandor (kirklees Council Leader), Tim Swift (Calderdale) Susan Hinchcliffe (Bradford) Judith Blake (Leeds) and Denise Jeffery (Wakefield). Photo: Simon Hulme
Devolution photocall with the leaders of the local councils, Granary Wharf, Leeds. Pictured from the left are Shabir Pandor (kirklees Council Leader), Tim Swift (Calderdale) Susan Hinchcliffe (Bradford) Judith Blake (Leeds) and Denise Jeffery (Wakefield). Photo: Simon Hulme

“This deal puts West Yorkshire in control of its destiny and the funding we are providing will help shape the prosperous future of Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds and Wakefield.

“From transforming green travel and digital skills training, to significant powers and investment improving housing and regeneration, today’s deal will mean changes in West Yorkshire are shaped by those who live there.”

He added: “The Yorkshire Post has been a consistent and strong voice for Yorkshire on this important issue. This landmark moment is not only a significant step forward for West Yorkshire but also an important milestone in the government’s agenda to devolve resources, money and control away from Westminster.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

While Northern Powerhouse Minister Grant Shapps added: “We are investing billions to level up the North and build a strong and dynamic Northern Powerhouse. That must be backed by providing local leaders with the powers and means to make decisions.

“I look forward to working with the first Mayor of West Yorkshire, both directly and through the Northern Transport Acceleration Council, to deliver the infrastructure upgrades communities want and deserve as quickly as possible.”

The order comes into force tomorrow (Saturday) and the first £38m payment will be made later this year.

In a joint statement, West Yorkshire’s five council leaders, Susan Hinchcliffe (Bradford), Tim Swift (Calderdale), Shabir Pandor (Kirklees), Judith Blake (Leeds) and Denise Jeffery (Wakefield) said:  “We are delighted that Parliament has agreed to turn our landmark £1.8bn devolution deal, the biggest of its kind, into law.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Devolution will help unleash our region’s full potential and in doing so raise living standards for our communities and help us make a full contribution to the UK economy.

“It is a crucial step in ensuring that issues that really matter to the people of West Yorkshire are prioritised, including our recovery from Covid-19, through greater local investment and decision-making powers.

“The deal puts the people of West Yorkshire at the heart of devolution.

“It incorporates findings from the public consultation carried out last summer – the largest ever public consultation on English regional devolution with over 4,400 responses.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We look forward to the election of the first Mayor for the region in May 2021, and working with them to improve the lives of everyone in West Yorkshire.”

Labour has already selected their candidate for the mayoral race, Batley and Spen MP Tracy Brabin, but the Conservatives are yet to announce their pick.

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.