West Yorkshire secures almost £2 billion for skills, transport and housing in first-ever Integrated Settlement

West Yorkshire is set to take a major step forward in its devolution revolution following the confirmation of almost £2 billion for the region in the Chancellor’s Budget.

In a historic moment for the region, the West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin will meet with the leaders of Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds and Wakefield later today (4 December) to discuss next steps ahead of funds being released in April 2026.

The full meeting of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, in Leeds, will see leaders welcome the first ever Integrated Settlement for the region, worth almost £400 million next year. 

Work has been underway to ensure that West Yorkshire can take full advantage of this. A budget paper will be presented to the Combined Authority in the New Year, detailing specific proposals for how the Integrated Settlement should be spent, and how its flexibilities should be used to maximum effect. 

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said:

“This is a historic moment for devolution in West Yorkshire. Our Integrated Settlement gives us the flexibility and certainty we need to invest in the things that really matter to local people – better transport, more affordable homes, skills for life and work, and support for businesses to grow and thrive.

“It’s the culmination of years of hard work and partnership, and shows the government’s confidence in our ability to deliver for our region and the growth mission.

“This will enable us to take bold, long-term decisions that will transform our economy, create good jobs, and make West Yorkshire an even better place to live and work.”

Announced by the Chancellor Rachel Reeves in her Autumn Budget, the Integrated Settlement marks a significant milestone for West Yorkshire, providing a single funding package that contains greater flexibilities than before, to empower the Mayor and the Combined Authority to invest in the region's priorities.

From April 2026, the settlement will bring together funding streams across transport, skills, housing and more, enabling a joined-up approach to deliver the region’s ambitious Local Growth Plan.

The settlement will see the Combined Authority invest over £1.9 billion over the next four years, supporting projects that drive inclusive growth and raise the living standards of people in the region.

It will also strengthen the accountability of the Mayor and the Combined Authority through a new outcomes framework, ensuring progress is measured transparently against agreed regional priorities.

Under the Integrated Settlement, West Yorkshire is set to receive:

• £397.8 million in 2026/27
• £473.9 million in 2027/28
• £559.8 million in 2028/29
• £530.9 million in 2029/30

This includes major allocations for:

• Transport and local infrastructure, with over £200 million every year to deliver major transport infrastructure schemes including rail station improvements and bus and active travel links.
  
  
• Adult skills and employment support, with more than £85 million per year to fund initiatives like skills bootcamps to help people into good, well-paid jobs and boost local businesses.

• Housing and strategic planning, with £190 million over the four year-period to build new housing and deliver major regeneration schemes across the region’s towns and cities.

The Combined Authority has been working closely with the government to prepare for the implementation of the Integrated Settlement, including a formal readiness check led by PwC and the development of the outcomes framework.

This framework will underpin delivery and accountability, aligning investment to key outcomes. These include:

• Improved productivity among businesses to support jobs and growth
• A more integrated and inclusive transport network
• Greater place-based regeneration with affordable housing at its heart
• More residents gaining the skills they need for life and well-paid work
• Tougher action on climate and nature recovery
• Better population health and wellbeing through public sector reform

Following discussion at the 4 December meeting, the Combined Authority will finalise its outcomes framework and delivery plans ahead of funds being released in April 2026.

Investment decisions will continue to be made in line with the Authority’s assurance framework, ensuring transparency and value for money.