Cabinet consulted on West Yorkshire devolution deal

Kirklees Council’s Cabinet consulted on West Yorkshire’s £1.8billion devolution deal on a conference call.

Cabinet members today (24 March 2020) held an informal meeting over a conference call to be consulted on the deal – following government guidance on staying at home and socially distancing.

It was due to be heard at a Cabinet meeting today, which had to be cancelled due to the current coronavirus pandemic.

Other items on the Cabinet agenda were postponed, but the devolution deal was treated as business critical to ensure the council has enough time to hold a public consultation on the deal and for it to be presented to Full Council.

Cabinet gave the go-ahead for the Chief Executive to take the emergency decision to undertake public consultation on the arrangements for the deal.

In addition to significant funding, the deal announced in the Government’s Budget on 11 March 2020, gives West Yorkshire far greater decision-making powers allowing the region to set its own priorities including ensuring a vibrant future for towns and rural areas while securing the economic success of cities.

The deal is set to drive up living standards through better transport, improved skills and stronger businesses, while tackling the climate emergency has been secured for West Yorkshire.

It comes as a result of extensive negotiations between the Leaders of West Yorkshire Councils and Communities Minister Simon Clarke supported by officers from West Yorkshire authorities and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

Councillor Shabir Pandor, Leader of Kirklees Council, said: “This gives us the funding and the power to take more of the decisions which affect our communities within the region.

“Every place is unique and what works in one area might not be right for another. It is only right that the decisions made for West Yorkshire are done here with local people’s interests at heart.

“I’m proud to have been one of the council leaders working together in collaboration on this deal for West Yorkshire. Throughout the process, I have been fighting for the very best outcome for Kirklees and to make sure we get the best deal possible for our residents.

“I believe that this deal will help us in Kirklees to continue to deliver our ambitious investment plans. We are a council and a borough of real ambition and I will be a strong voice at West Yorkshire to make sure the opportunities within this deal come to Kirklees.”

The deal will see the creation of a West Yorkshire Mayor, to be elected for the first time in May 2021, working with the Combined Authority. In the coming years, the West Yorkshire Mayor will also exercise governance and community safety functions currently held by the West Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner, similar to models in London and Greater Manchester. The planned Police and Crime Commissioner election in May will go ahead as planned.

To find out more about the West Yorkshire Devolution deal visit www.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/devolution/