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

Devolution race exposes divisions over mayor question

By Martin Ford | 13 August 2026

The Government was this week facing hurdles as it races to complete the devolution map across England by the end of 2028.

ECONOMIC GROWTH

LGA stabilises but still faces major challenges

By Heather Jameson | 12 August 2026

As devolution and local government reorganisation reshape the sector, the LGA has improved its finances and leadership, says Heather Jameson —but must now pr...

ECONOMIC GROWTH

Untangling the wires to progress

By Martin Ford | 12 August 2026

The Government has finally unveiled it proposals to ‘rewire the state’ and devolve powers to regional and local levels. Martin Ford delves into the document.

ECONOMIC GROWTH

EXCLUSIVE: Public rebuffed over reorganisation plans

By Paul Marinko | 30 July 2026

Ministers have gone against the public’s preferred reorganisation option in the majority of areas, The MJ can reveal.

Popular articles by Laura Sharman