By KLTV Newsdesk –

Funding to focus on transport, skills and housing as region prepares for integrated settlement

Leaders across West Yorkshire have approved a budget of more than £1.2 billion aimed at supporting economic growth and improving connectivity, skills and housing across the region.

As preparations continue for the introduction of the region’s first ‘integrated settlement’ from April, leaders from Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds and Wakefield met with West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin on Thursday 22 January to formally approve spending totalling more than £1.2 billion.

The agreement marks a further stage in the region’s devolution process, with greater control over funding and decision-making moving to local authorities.

Greater local control under integrated settlement

The integrated settlement is expected to give West Yorkshire more flexibility in how funding is allocated, allowing transport, housing, skills and business support investment to be planned in a more coordinated way.

Mayor Tracy Brabin said the new budget would place more power and resources directly in the hands of local leaders, enabling faster and more targeted delivery of projects across the region.

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “This historic budget is all about three things – delivery, delivery, and delivery.

“By investing in the high-quality homes people want, the skills and employment support people need, and the quick and reliable transport links people deserve, we will transform the economy and society of West Yorkshire for generations to come.

“For our communities, this will mean better buses, the next steps towards mass transit, warmer and more affordable homes, and faster and simpler routes into good jobs.

“This is how we’ll boost business growth and put more money in people’s pockets.”

Three core priorities for investment

The budget, which received unanimous backing from all five local authority leaders, is focused on three main areas intended to support long-term economic growth and social outcomes.

These include improving transport connectivity, expanding access to skills and employment support, and increasing the supply of affordable, energy-efficient housing.

Plans to improve connectivity include immediate investment in transport services and stations, alongside new funding to support the transition to bus franchising and the development of mass transit proposals. The aim is to improve reliability, affordability and journey times for residents and commuters.

A second priority is strengthening skills and employment provision, with the intention that every working-age resident can access training and support to secure sustainable employment. Leaders say this is intended to help address labour market shortages while improving individual earning potential and job security.

The third focus is housing, with funding earmarked for building new homes and improving existing stock. The aim is to provide more families with access to secure, affordable and energy-efficient accommodation, while also supporting regeneration in local communities.

Revenue and capital investment plans

Leaders also discussed a proposed revenue budget of £487 million, alongside a capital investment programme valued at £767 million. The combined funding is intended to deliver short-term improvements while supporting longer-term infrastructure and housing projects.

According to the combined authority, the approach is designed to balance immediate benefits for communities and businesses with investment that supports structural changes to the region’s economy and public services.

The move to an integrated settlement is expected to allow funding streams to be aligned more closely across policy areas, enabling transport, skills, housing and business support programmes to reinforce each other rather than operate in isolation.

From planning to delivery

Local leaders said the budget signals a shift from planning towards implementation, with the certainty of multi-year funding allowing projects to progress more quickly and at greater scale.

It is anticipated that the new funding arrangements will also enable West Yorkshire to make more effective use of national investment, supporting delivery of priorities set out in the region’s Local Growth Plan.

The combined authority says this coordinated approach is intended to strengthen economic resilience, improve productivity and support inclusive growth across towns and cities throughout West Yorkshire.