Mayor rules out new Mayoral precept for 2022-23

The West Yorkshire devolution deal allows the Mayor to raise a ‘Mayoral precept’ from every household in the region to fund activities for mayoral functions such as transport. However, West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin has ruled out introducing the new charge for 2022-23.   

Mayor Brabin said: 

“Government decisions mean people across West Yorkshire are facing a cost-of-living crisis. Cuts to Universal Credit, wages failing to keep pace with inflation, rocketing energy bills and a National Insurance increase means that now is not the time to be introducing a new Mayoral precept.   

Our region has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic and we need to be focused on securing a just, fair and inclusive economic recovery. West Yorkshire needs investment if we are to achieve our bold ambitions, but government cannot expect regions to pay for their own levelling up.  

Government Ministers simply don’t understand the impact the last 18-months has had on communities like ours. Rather than forcing additional cuts and costs onto the poorest, those who have the broadest shoulders should be carrying the greatest burden.”