West Yorkshire Devolution Consultation
In March 2020 West Yorkshire’s council leaders secured a £1.8 billion-plus devolution deal for West Yorkshire, which will see more decisions about the region taken here instead of London and more investment for the things that matter to local people. This deal means that decisions in key areas, such as better transport, skills, the economy, housing and regeneration will be taken in West Yorkshire by people who know and understand the region, bringing huge benefits for rural and urban communities and for people’s quality of life.
The deal will also provide more essential funding and powers to help our region recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, which is why council leaders and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority are keen to see progress continue at pace, so that all of the necessary work is done ready for a mayoral election to take place in May 2021
A public consultation is being held from 25 May to 19 July on the devolution deal and proposals for a directly elected mayor. You can take part in the following ways:
- Through the online survey atwestyorks-ca.gov.uk/WYdevolution
- By email to wyconsultation@ipsos-mori.com
- By calling the freephone telephone number 0800 141 3657
- By post using the freepost address: Freepost WY Devolution Consultation(no stamp needed)
Since 2015 the Chamber has campaigned and lobbied for a devolution settlement for our region. Our own research showed that the majority of businesses were in favour of having regional control over those matters which would help improve the economy and raise productivity. The Chamber was keen to see powers and funding to decide our own regional infrastructure priorities; to direct funding at regional skills imbalances to ensure employers can access the workforce of the future; and to develop and focus support initiatives on those sectors of our economy which can really accelerate economic growth whilst ensuring other sectors are not left behind. The recent announcement of a settlement for West Yorkshire is welcomed by the Chamber and we encourage all businesses to have their say by following the link below.
“We continue to lobby for an equivalent devolution settlement for North Yorkshire also. As we enter recovery and renewal post-COVID19 it I will be even more important that the region has control and funding over measures to support economic growth.” Mark Goldstone, Head of Business Representation & Policy
For further information about devolution in West Yorkshire, please visit www.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/devolution
