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

Transforming public services in Liverpool City Region

By Kirsty McLean | 24 October 2025

Kirsty McLean reveals how the Liverpool-based Office for Public Service Innovation – working with the Cabinet Office’s Test, Learn and Grow programme – is la...

ECONOMIC GROWTH

Levelling up leadership

By Pete John | 23 October 2025

Pete John delves into the new world of leading in a combined authority and offers some insight into how to make it work.

ECONOMIC GROWTH

Riding the investment wave

By Joe Fyans | 22 October 2025

Joe Fyans explores how councils can seize investment opportunities and manage risks as they tap into private finance – navigating a fast-evolving landscape s...

ECONOMIC GROWTH

An opportunity for honesty

By Robin Tuddenham | 14 October 2025

As local government leaders convene in Leeds this week for the Solace Summit amid a backdrop of unprecedented challenges, Robin Tuddenham says there are stil...

Popular articles by Laura Sharman