Establishment of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority has moved a step closer after City of York gave its support to the venture.

All five involved councils have now backed the combined authority, which would unite decision makers in a single body to manage investment worth £1.5bn in the county's transport and infrastructure.

If granted approval by secretaries of state Eric Pickles and Patrick McLoughlin, the West Yorkshire Combined Authority would receive newly devolved powers and funding from April 2014.

A review of existing arrangements undertaken by York concluded a joint approach to funding would put West Yorkshire and the wider Leeds City region in a stronger economic position and create a more influential voice with Whitehall.

Establishment of a combimed authority is a key requirement of the Leeds city region City Deal.

Cllr Keith Wakefield, chair of the Association of West Yorkshire Authorities, said: ‘Now there is the agreement of all five councils and the ITA, securing the go ahead from government is the last hurdle to us securing significant national funding and investment.

‘It will mean that funding decisions that affect our region are taken locally by those that understand local economic conditions and what is needed to stimulate local growth.'

‘We have the opportunity to unlock significant new powers and funding agreed through the City Deal, and with the public and private sectors working together, we are in a better position to ensure our shared ambition for economic growth for West Yorkshire and the wider City Region  are achieved.'

Labour leader of City of York Council, Cllr James Alexander, said: ‘Investment in York's infrastructure - housing, transport, development sites and business accommodation - is crucial to the city's sustained growth and economic prosperity.

‘The establishment of a combined authority alongside the unique position of being part the Leeds City Region city deal means that we can move forward in this economic ambition for the city. This will also allow us to strengthen the links between our key supply chains and shared markets, and make vital improvements in the city's economic infrastructure'