Yorkshire promised public transport cash and greater control over its own funding

Investment in public transport and more regional control over money have both been promised to Yorkshire in today’s Budget.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves said the Government will increase the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlements, which are funding projects such as the renewal of Sheffield’s Supertram system and continued development of a West Yorkshire Mass Transit network.

She said the Government will pump over £35bn into economic infrastructure in 2025‑26, helping to secure the delivery of projects including The TransPennine Route Upgrade between York and Manchester, via Leeds and Huddersfield.

This project is intended to transform northern rail connectivity and lay the ground for Northern Powerhouse Rail.

On devolution, the Government said it is working with local leaders on the upcoming English Devolution White Paper. The Budget introduces the first integrated settlements for the West Midlands and Greater Manchester from 2025‑26.

The integrated settlements will deliver a single flexible pot of funding with a single outcomes framework to support Mayoral Combined Authorities (MCAs) to deliver growth.

The Government’s Budget explains it wants more regions to benefit from integrated settlements and confirmed the MCAs eligible to receive integrated settlements from 2026‑27 include both South Yorkshire and West Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authorities.

Also, the Budget confirmed that funding has been released this month for Investment Zones which will support the life sciences industry in West Yorkshire.

Responding to the Budget this afternoon, Suzy Harris-Milnes, Tax Partner at BHP said: “Rachel Reeves, as the first female Chancellor of the Exchequer took inspiration from previous post holders by making sure to name check almost every corner of the nations and regions with announcements.

“For Yorkshire the big headline appeared to be the announcement of the TransPennine route upgrade, which will be welcomed as unlocking the potential of a wider inter-region connectivity between the North West and God’s own county.

“However other announcements which will benefit the region will be the Government’s commitment to key sectors including aerospace and life sciences, which we know Yorkshire has strong links to thanks to its advanced manufacturing businesses and strong business and university links.”