West Yorkshire Combined Authority

West Yorkshire Combined Authority
Name	West Yorkshire Combined Authority
Formation	1 April 2014
Type	Combined authority
Headquarters	Wellington House, Leeds
Region served	West Yorkshire
Membership	Bradford Calderdale Kirklees Leeds Wakefield
Leader title	Mayor
Leader name	Tracy Brabin
Website	www.westyorks-ca.gov.uk

West Yorkshire Combined Authority. The West Yorkshire Combined Authority is a strategic regional authority established to drive economic growth, improve transport, and enhance skills across the West Yorkshire region. Formed in 2014, it brings together the five constituent metropolitan boroughs and is led by a directly elected Mayor. Its key priorities include overseeing major transport projects like the West Yorkshire Mass Transit System, delivering the West Yorkshire Devolution Deal, and investing in areas such as net zero, housing, and culture.

History

The authority was formally established on 1 April 2014 under the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009, following a governance review and a public consultation. Initial proposals for a Leeds City Region combined authority, which included areas beyond West Yorkshire such as York and Harrogate, were scaled back. The path to greater devolution accelerated after the EU referendum, with negotiations culminating in the landmark West Yorkshire Devolution Deal announced by Chancellor Rishi Sunak in the March 2020 budget. This deal, which came into effect in May 2021, provided new funding and powers and mandated the first direct election for the position of Mayor, held in May 2021 and won by Tracy Brabin.

Governance

The authority operates under a cabinet-style model led by the directly elected Mayor, who holds significant executive powers over budgets and strategy. The Mayor works in conjunction with a board comprising the leaders from each of the five member metropolitan boroughs: Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds, and Wakefield. Key decisions are scrutinized by overview and scrutiny committees, while independent audit committees ensure financial propriety. The authority's main administrative offices are located at Wellington House in Leeds, and it works closely with partners like the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership and West Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner.

Functions and responsibilities

The authority's core functions, significantly expanded by the West Yorkshire Devolution Deal, include strategic transport planning, adult education and skills provision, and economic development. It has powers over the local transport plan, bus franchising, and key road networks, and is developing the West Yorkshire Mass Transit System. It is also responsible for administering the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, driving housing and regeneration schemes, and delivering on net-zero carbon targets. The Mayor holds specific powers in areas such as spatial development and has taken on the functions of the former West Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner.

Member authorities

The combined authority comprises the five metropolitan boroughs that make up the West Yorkshire county. These are the City of Bradford, Calderdale (centered on Halifax), Kirklees (centered on Huddersfield and Dewsbury), the City of Leeds, and the City of Wakefield. Each member authority is represented on the decision-making board by its respective leader, ensuring local democratic accountability. The combined authority's geographic footprint covers major urban centers like Leeds City Centre and Bradford City Park, as well as towns such as Keighley, Brighouse, and Pontefract.

Transport

Transport is a major responsibility, with the authority acting as the Transport for the North-aligned sub-national transport body for the region. It oversees the local implementation of the National Bus Strategy and has pursued bus franchising powers. Major projects include the development of the West Yorkshire Mass Transit System, improvements to rail stations like Leeds railway station and Bradford Interchange, and strategic road schemes. The authority also manages cycling and walking initiatives, the M62 corridor development, and integrated ticketing through the MCard and upcoming West Yorkshire Connect brand.

Economic development

The authority leads on economic strategy, aiming to build a more productive, inclusive, and greener economy. It administers the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the Getting Building Fund, investing in innovation districts, business support, and town center regeneration. Key initiatives include the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership growth plan, support for the Advanced Machinery & Productivity Institute in Rotherham, and development at sites like the Aire Valley enterprise zone. It also focuses on skills alignment through the West Yorkshire Consortium of Colleges and major cultural projects to boost tourism.

Funding and finance

The authority's funding derives from a combination of central government grants, local contributions from member authorities, and borrowing powers. The West Yorkshire Devolution Deal provides a £1.8 billion investment fund over 30 years and annual gainshare funding. Additional resources come from specific pots like the City Regional Sustainable Transport Settlement, the Brownfield Land Release Fund, and the Levelling Up Fund. The Mayor has limited precepting powers to raise a levy on council tax bills within West Yorkshire, and the authority can also generate income from ventures such as the West Yorkshire Pension Fund investments.

Category:Combined authorities in England Category:West Yorkshire Category:Local government in West Yorkshire Category:Organisations based in Leeds