West Yorkshire is set to take a major step forward in its
devolution revolution following the confirmation of almost £2
billion for the region in the Chancellor's Budget.
In a historic moment for the region, the West Yorkshire Mayor
will meet with the leaders of
Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds and Wakefield later today
(4 December) to discuss next steps ahead of funds being released
in April 2026.
The full meeting of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, in
Leeds, will see leaders welcome the first ever Integrated
Settlement for the region, worth almost £400 million next
year.
Work has been underway to ensure that West Yorkshire can take
full advantage of this. A budget paper will be presented
to the Combined Authority in the New Year, detailing
specific proposals for how the Integrated Settlement should be
spent, and how its flexibilities should be used to maximum
effect.
, Mayor of West Yorkshire,
said:
“This is a historic moment for devolution in West Yorkshire.
Our Integrated Settlement gives us the flexibility and
certainty we need to invest in the things that really matter to
local people – better transport, more affordable homes, skills
for life and work, and support for businesses to grow and thrive.
“It's the culmination of years of hard work and partnership, and
shows the government's confidence in our ability to deliver for
our region and the growth mission.
“This will enable us to take bold, long-term decisions that will
transform our economy, create good jobs, and make West Yorkshire
an even better place to live and work.”
Announced by the Chancellor in her Autumn Budget, the
Integrated Settlement marks a significant milestone for West
Yorkshire, providing a single funding package that contains
greater flexibilities than before, to empower the Mayor and the
Combined Authority to invest in the region's priorities.
From April 2026, the settlement will bring together funding
streams across transport, skills, housing and more, enabling a
joined-up approach to deliver the region's ambitious Local Growth Plan.
The settlement will see the Combined Authority invest over £1.9
billion over the next four years, supporting projects that drive
inclusive growth and raise the living standards of people in the
region.
It will also strengthen the accountability of the Mayor and the
Combined Authority through a new outcomes framework, ensuring
progress is measured transparently against agreed regional
priorities.
Under the Integrated Settlement, West Yorkshire is set to
receive:
- £397.8 million in 2026/27
- £473.9 million in 2027/28
- £559.8 million in 2028/29
- £530.9 million in 2029/30
This includes major allocations for:
- Transport and local infrastructure, with over £200 million
every year to deliver major transport infrastructure schemes
including rail station improvements and bus and active travel
links.
- Adult skills and employment support, with more than £85
million per year to fund initiatives like skills bootcamps to
help people into good, well-paid jobs and boost local
businesses.
- Housing and strategic planning, with £190 million over the
four year-period to build new housing and deliver major
regeneration schemes across the region's towns and cities.
The Combined Authority has been working closely with the
government to prepare for the implementation of the Integrated
Settlement, including a formal readiness check led by PwC and the
development of the outcomes framework.
This framework will underpin delivery and accountability,
aligning investment to key outcomes. These include:
- Improved productivity among businesses to support jobs and
growth
- A more integrated and inclusive transport network
- Greater place-based regeneration with affordable housing at
its heart
- More residents gaining the skills they need for life and
well-paid work
- Tougher action on climate and nature recovery
- Better population health and wellbeing through public sector
reform
Following discussion at the 4 December meeting, the Combined
Authority will finalise its outcomes framework and delivery plans
ahead of funds being released in April 2026.
Investment decisions will continue to be made in line with the
Authority's assurance framework, ensuring transparency and value
for money.
