With voting to elect the first Mayor of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority due to take place on 6 May 2021, join us to hear from some of the candidates bidding to secure the position.<\/p>\n
The CBI, FSB, TheBusinessDesk.com and the West and North Yorkshire Chamber, we will bring together the mayoral candidates and offer you the opportunity to hear their plans and priorities, as well as providing a platform for you to raise questions to them directly.<\/p>\n
The inaugural election of a mayor to the West Yorkshire Combined Authority is an important next step in the region\u2019s devolution journey. The deal gives powers, funding and influence to West Yorkshire. This includes a \u00a338m a year gainshare fund, which will allow public funding to be directed to regionally significant projects; \u00a3317m in Transforming Cities Fund allocation, the largest of any region; \u00a367m funding for new homes on Brownfield Sites, and devolution of the Adult Education Budget to shape local skills provision to respond to local needs.<\/p>\n
The deal also gives the region powers over planning and transport, which not only will allow for a more integrated transport network, but also gives the region the opportunity to get ahead on the race to net-zero, and align priorities for housing, connectivity and economic growth.<\/p>\n
Mayors are genuine political heavyweights and are playing increasingly important roles in democratic life. They hold significant powers to shape local decision making and, as such, need to understand what matters most to businesses in their area. Please take this opportunity to listen to the mayoral candidates and ensure they hear the passionate voices of business.<\/p>\n