Yorkshire leads way on city region

YORKSHIRE is expected to be named as one of two areas to be given statutory city region status in today’s Budget, according to industry insiders.

Sources on both sides of the Pennines claim Leeds and Manchester will be selected as two pilot city regions by the Government.

The existing Leeds City Region Partnership, which takes in 11 local authorities whose aim is to work together in areas such as transport, housing and planning, has previously accepted the Government’s invitation to bid to become one of its forerunner city regions.

The Leeds City Region Partnership is seeing authorities work together to rebuild confidence during the recession and grow the region’s economy.

The partnership has devised a Leeds City Region Forerunner Plan which comprises a set of four proposals which could change the way local government operates, enabling city region authorities working with partners to minimise the impact of the downturn and accelerate the city region’s economic recovery.

If successful in today’s Budget, Leeds City Region will be given new controls on areas including housing, regeneration and transport.

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