£866m regional budget plans get the go-ahead

West Yorkshire Combined Authority has approved its annual budget, with a planned total spend of £866m over the next year.

The bulk of the Combined Authority’s spending will be on transport, with long-term planning for Mass Transit continuing, as well as the funding of the £2 mayor’s fares – capped bus tickets for everyone in the region.

The budget also includes extra funding to help improve bus services, support cultural events such as Bradford 2025 and improve access to jobs and skills for people across the region.

The Combined Authority is also investing in the region’s future, with infrastructure spending for the coming year totalling nearly £500m.

West Yorkshire Mayor, Tracy Brabin, said: “Devolution is working for West Yorkshire and I am proud of the work we have done over the past year to drive economic growth, boost skills, and lay the groundwork for an accessible and reliable public transport network.

“But we should be under no illusions about the financial challenges facing our local authority partners.

“We are supporting where we can but town halls must be properly funded by Government to deliver frontline services, otherwise our potential will be held back.

“This balanced and fair budget that we have agreed will deliver on our long-term plan and lasting change for the people of West Yorkshire as we create a region that works for all.”