By KLTV Newsdesk –

Integrated Settlement to give local leaders unprecedented control over transport, housing, skills and growth

West Yorkshire is set to take a major leap forward in its devolution journey after the Chancellor’s Budget confirmed almost £2 billion in funding for the region.

West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin will meet today (4 December) with the leaders of Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds and Wakefield to discuss next steps before the first tranche of funding is released in April 2026.

The full meeting of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority in Leeds will see leaders formally welcome the region’s first-ever Integrated Settlement, worth nearly £400 million in its first year alone.

A New Financial Framework for Local Control

Work has been progressing behind the scenes to ensure West Yorkshire can maximise the potential of the settlement.

A detailed budget paper outlining specific proposals and how new flexibilities will be used will be presented to the Combined Authority early in the New Year.

Announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves in the Autumn Budget, the Integrated Settlement consolidates multiple funding streams, covering transport, skills, housing and more, into a single, flexible package.

It is designed to give the Mayor and Combined Authority greater autonomy to invest in regional priorities and deliver the ambitions of West Yorkshire’s Local Growth Plan.

“A Historic Moment for Devolution”

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “This is a historic moment for devolution in West Yorkshire.

“Our Integrated Settlement gives us the flexibility and certainty we need to invest in the things that really matter to local people – better transport, more affordable homes, skills for life and work, and support for businesses to grow and thrive.

“It’s the culmination of years of hard work and partnership, and shows the government’s confidence in our ability to deliver for our region and the growth mission.

“This will enable us to take bold, long-term decisions that will transform our economy, create good jobs, and make West Yorkshire an even better place to live and work.”

Millions to Be Invested Over Four Years

From April 2026, the settlement will allow the Combined Authority to invest over £1.9 billion across four years. Funding allocations will be:

• £397.8 million in 2026/27
• £473.9 million in 2027/28
• £559.8 million in 2028/29
• £530.9 million in 2029/30

Major investment areas include:

• Transport and local infrastructure: Over £200 million per year for rail station upgrades, bus and active travel routes, and major transport schemes.
• Adult skills and employment support: More than £85 million annually for skills bootcamps and training programmes.
• Housing and regeneration: £190 million over four years for new homes and large-scale regeneration across West Yorkshire’s towns and cities.

Strengthened Accountability and Clear Outcomes

The Combined Authority has been working closely with the government to prepare for implementation, including a formal readiness assessment by PwC and the development of a robust outcomes framework.

This framework, due to be finalised following discussion at today’s meeting, will ensure transparent progress against priorities such as:

• Improving business productivity
• Developing an integrated and inclusive transport network
• Delivering place-based regeneration with affordable housing
• Equipping residents with essential life and work skills
• Accelerating climate action and nature recovery
• Enhancing population health and wellbeing

Investment decisions will continue to follow the Authority’s assurance framework, ensuring transparency, accountability and value for money as West Yorkshire enters a new phase of devolved power.