Transport, skills and economic growth prioritised in combined authority budget

West Yorkshire’s leaders have approved the Combined Authority’s multi-million pound budget.

They said their plan comprises “a relentless focus on economic growth and building a brighter future for all,” as the region’s £890m of devolved funding was allocated for the coming year.

The budget was approved by members of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority at Wellington House, Leeds.

West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin outlined her key priority areas for 2025 which are underpinned in the region’s Local Growth Plan.

These include preparing the region for a franchised bus network from 2027 and getting spades in the ground for a mass transit system from 2028, while supporting local bus services and passenger facilities.

The budget document introduces a universal skills system to ensure everyone can fulfil their potential and outlines a flagship home energy scheme to help households invest in renewables and save on energy bills.

Brabin said: “We are approaching a new era for devolution, and we need to make sure West Yorkshire is ready for that.

“We want to use these powers to grow our economy and ensure people have more money in their pockets.

“We have ambitious plans for our region and this budget will help us deliver that throughout the next year and beyond.”

The budget highlights ongoing work to implement the West Yorkshire Mass Transit programme, and commits funding to create a strategic outline case which will be submitted to the Government, detailing the proposed routes and infrastructure investments the Combined Authority is looking to make.

The plans prioritise work to deliver a fully franchised bus network in West Yorkshire, ahead of the first services coming into public control from 2027.

Investment will also go towards the West Yorkshire Local Growth Plan’s ambitions of boosting employment and ensuring everyone in the region has the skills they need for the future.

Further support will also be introduced for businesses, to ensure they can access the finance, skills and markets they need to grow and succeed.