Budget engagement launched by Combined Authority

From next year, the West Yorkshire Combined Authority will receive an integrated settlement from the government for the next financial year, meaning it will have more flexibility over how it can spend its funding, as the region moves towards deeper devolution.

In previous years, money received from government was strictly allocated for what it could be used for. The new arrangement means more money can be directed to where communities need it the most, whether that is better transport, delivering more skills courses or growing our economy. This is the public’s opportunity to influence those decisions through an engagement exercise undertaken by the Combined Authority.

A survey, which is open until 26^th October, asks which services are the most important to people. While the integrated settlement gives more local freedom over what is delivered, it still means difficult decisions need to be made over priorities in a time of funding uncertainty for all authorities. Therefore, it is important that people have their say over what they feel matters most.

The Mayor is on a mission to grow the region’s economy and create a brighter West Yorkshire that works for all. Being able to use the budget in a way that delivers greater benefits for people living in the region will be the catalyst for achieving this goal.

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire said:

“Devolution is already working for West Yorkshire, as we bring buses back under public control, build  more affordable homes and deliver much needed adult skills courses.

“This integrated settlement means we can go further and faster to provide better services and put more money in people’s pockets.

“But we should do this together. I hope the public will help us understand what is most important for them and the region so we can better use our funding to build that brighter West Yorkshire that works for all.” 

The engagement runs from 12^th September to 26^th October 2025 and involves a short survey where people can select what they feel to be the top three priorities for the region, as well as suggesting the areas they feel are less important.