Title

ECONOMIC GROWTH

Leeds city region to go it alone

Council leaders in West Yorkshire have confirmed they are ready to strike a devolution deal with the Government.

Council leaders in West Yorkshire have confirmed they are ready to strike a devolution deal with the Government.

The councils will submit a bid for devolved economic powers for the Leeds city region, including new powers to generate income for major infrastructure projects. 

They will also call for more responsibility over transport, housing, skills and business support.

In exchange, the council leaders said they would consider introducing an elected metro-mayor as long as the Government was handing down radical powers to allow local economies to thrive.

Cllr Peter Box, leader of Wakefield MDC, said: ‘We had a constructive meeting with leaders of neighbouring councils and [commercial secretary to the Treasury] Lord [Jim] O'Neill ahead of us submitting to government an ambitious devolution proposal that will mean better infrastructure, jobs and housing.'

The bid includes Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds, Wakefield, Craven, Harrogate, Selby and the City of York.

 

ECONOMIC GROWTH

Calls grow to fast-track reorganisation in Kent

By By Dan Peters | 09 April 2026

Ministers have been urged to bring forward their decision on local government reorganisation in Kent ‘without delay’.

ECONOMIC GROWTH

Corporate Peer Challenge: Going boldly on in Bristol

By Nick Hibberd | 09 April 2026

Bristol’s Corporate Peer Challenge recognised a deeply embedded culture of activism, diversity and civic participation, but challenged the city to be bolder ...

ECONOMIC GROWTH

Uneven devo prompting push-back on housing growth plans

By Martin Ford | 09 April 2026

Uneven progress in devolution across England could result in council resistance to Government plans to drive housing growth via development corporations.

ECONOMIC GROWTH

Shaping places that work for everyone

By Ann McGauran | 08 April 2026

Key Cities and architecture practice We Made That have set out five Rights to Place to ensure equitable distribution of resources, services and opportunities...

Popular articles by Laura Sharman