State of the Region Report 2022

Report finds West Yorkshire recovering from pandemic but highlights risks posed by cost of living crisis and areas where greater devolved powers to the Mayor are needed to boost progress further

West Yorkshire making strong progress in employment, productivity, skills and inclusion

The latest annual State of the Region report shows the West Yorkshire recovering from the effects of the pandemic with a rise in employment, productivity and skills.

It also shows that more people from diverse backgrounds are now in work and there has been a shift towards more cycling and walking, while high speed internet coverage is better than the UK average.

However, the report also highlights the risks to people and businesses posed by the cost of living crisis and areas around transport, skills, housing and the environment where progress could be faster or more effective with greater devolved powers.

The report finds:

  • Since 2004 the number of people with low or no qualifications fell from 36% to 22%
  • Higher education levels rose from 23% to 38% over the same time
  • The employment rate gaps for people from ethnic minority backgrounds and for disabled people are narrowing
  • Greenhouse gas emissions fell by 12% in 2020 with a shift towards walking and cycling
  • Around 80% of premises are covered by high speed internet connections
  • Almost 9-out-of-10 premises have mobile 4G coverage
  • Cuts to bus services during the pandemic affected access to jobs for people in the most disadvantaged neighbourhoods
  • Neighbourhood crime, knife crime and the number of persons reported as missing are below pre-pandemic levels
  • 18% of households in the region were in fuel poverty as of 2020, which could rise as high as 30% due to the cost of living crisis

State of the Region 2022 examines the region’s economy, transport, environment, community safety and policing, and access to culture, sport and creativity. A separate report covering Equality, Diversity and Inclusion has also been published.

The intelligence from State of the Region informs the Combined Authority’s decision-making and is vital to work done in the region to improve many aspects of people’s lives.

Key documents