Our devolution journey began in March 2020, when the five local authorities of West Yorkshire agreed a landmark deal with the Government.
As part of this deal, new powers, funding and responsibilities were transferred from central Government to West Yorkshire – meaning that more of the decisions that affect our local communities are made closer to home.
New legislation announced in 2024, and introduced to Parliament in 2025, will give the Combined Authority more powers and responsibilities to deliver our aims.
From April 2026, the Combined Authority will receive funding through a new arrangement known as an Integrated Settlement.
This funding settlement gives us, working with our local authority partners, greater control over where funding is directed. It means that we can invest to address the challenges in our region, make the most of opportunities and deliver most impact. This arrangement, over time, allows us to move funding between policy areas easier than before, so that we can respond to changing priorities.
The landmark deal included a government commitment to support the development of a West Yorkshire Mass Transit System, as well as new powers and funding to improve transport, adult education, skills and jobs, infrastructure, housing and economic growth.
The deal also created the position of Mayor of West Yorkshire, which had been held by Tracy Brabin since May 2021.
Devolution allows us to build a better future by ensuring that decisions on important issues are made closer to our local communities.
By taking on more power at a regional level, we can gain a real understanding of West Yorkshire’s unique strengths and challenges. This knowledge helps us to drive change in areas where it is most needed and deliver what matters most to our people – from safer streets to education, warm and affordable housing, career opportunities and a modern transport system. Devolution is the lever which will unlock our region’s true potential.
The March 2020 governance review recommended a shift to a mayoral combined authority, transferring powers over transport, housing, skills, regeneration and policing to local government in West Yorkshire.
The March 2020 governance review recommended a shift to a mayoral combined authority, transferring powers over transport, housing, skills, regeneration and policing to local government in West Yorkshire.
The West Yorkshire Mayoral Scheme formalised governance changes under the devolution deal, creating an elected cross‑region Mayor and Mayoral Combined Authority with devolved powers and greater local accountability to drive growth across the region.
The West Yorkshire Mayoral Scheme formalised governance changes under the devolution deal, creating an elected cross‑region Mayor and Mayoral Combined Authority with devolved powers and greater local accountability to drive growth across the region.
