Mayor Tracy Brabin urges Chancellor to commit to deeper devolution ahead of Autumn statement

25 October 2023

With one month to go until the Government gives an update on its plans for the economy, Mayor Tracy Brabin has submitted a series of proposals to the Chancellor which would help deliver on her “transformative ambitions to grow West Yorkshire, and the North”.

These include calls for a single funding settlement for the region, to help join up decisions on transport, skills and jobs — while avoiding time-consuming, competitive bidding processes which divert resources from key priorities.

The Mayor wants West Yorkshire Combined Authority to follow quickly in the footsteps of Greater Manchester and Birmingham, which were offered “Trailblazer” devolution deals in March.

She and the Combined Authority have committed to undergoing ‘gold standard’ governance and scrutiny processes in return for extra powers and funding.

Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin said:

“Devolution is working for West Yorkshire and we are serious about going faster and further to bring about even more benefits for the region.

“We have a proven track record of delivery — demonstrating that we’re ready for a Trailblazer devolution deal, to help grow our economy and improve lives.

“We need the Government to meet our ambition and are urging the Chancellor to provide the necessary powers and investment to help us build a West Yorkshire that works for all.”

The letter also calls for further commitments to fairness for local government funding, the West Yorkshire Mass Transit system, full devolution of skills and careers funding and long-term, flexible devolved funding to help the region hit its target of becoming Net Zero carbon by 2038.

THE LETTER IN FULL: 

Dear Chancellor,

AUTUMN STATEMENT 2023

I am writing to present West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s submission for the upcoming Autumn Budget. You asked that our returns provide policy suggestions for the upcoming fiscal event and explain the deliverability of proposals. Our submission shows how West Yorkshire can work with government to deliver.

In May, West Yorkshire Leaders and I signed off our bold West Yorkshire Plan, which sets out our vision to be a place that works for all, an engine room of ideas where anyone can make a home. Our plan is underpinned by five ambitious missions, which will drive our work to 2040.

We have the drive to deliver for the people and businesses of West Yorkshire, but our plans cannot be met if our Local Authorities are unable to sustainably deliver the vital services for residents and communities. Fair and sustainable local government funding is the foundation of all our work, without which we cannot deliver our transformative ambitions to grow West Yorkshire, and the North.

We recognise the value of working together and the benefits this brings. We know that we can’t realise our vision and missions in isolation and will continue to work in partnership with government and with local partners to deliver. To enable West Yorkshire to realise its full potential and to enable our missions to be achieved, our strategic asks for this budget, are:

• Certainty, stability and fairness in Local Government Funding
• West Yorkshire to be included in the next wave of deeper devolution deals to negotiate further devolution of funding and powers, to include:

o A single settlement

o Support to continue delivery of the integrated transport system West Yorkshire needs including:

▪ Assurance of the Government’s continued commitment to Mass Transit in West Yorkshire.

▪ Delivering strategic rail infrastructure to connect West Yorkshire.

o Full devolution of all adult employment, skills and careers funding

▪ A formal role to take forward LSIP implementation.

▪ Decision-making role on skills capital.

▪ Special status for our joint action plan with DWP.

▪ Official pilots on technical education and creative/cultural sector.

▪ Official pilot for employment support / work and health.

o Long-term flexible devolved funding and powers for net zero, including:

▪ Retrofit of West Yorkshire’s homes.

▪ A formal role in planning the future regional energy system.

▪ Electric vehicle infrastructure and zero emission buses.

• Local leadership of the affordable homes programme and further funding for homes on brownfield land.
• A fair police funding system
• Supporting transport investment with investment in connectivity more broadly, including broadband.
• Commitment to £62.9 million of additional investment from government, to further safeguard our region, through delivery of our capital flood risk management infrastructure.
• Certainty over Business Rate Relief for Cultural Venues.
• Long-term sustainable funding to ensure continued support to businesses.

We have detailed plans which sit behind our submission, and I am happy to host you in West Yorkshire to further demonstrate our priorities for the region and how we can work together for a better future.

Yours sincerely,

Tracy Brabin
Mayor of West Yorkshire