Making sure Kirklees thrives in West Yorkshire devolution deal
Council Leader Shabir Pandor has welcomed West Yorkshire’s £1.8billion devolution deal and says it will support his vision to secure more investment and opportunities for Kirklees.
What’s it all about?
In addition to significant funding, the deal announced in today’s (11 March 2020) Government Budget gives West Yorkshire far greater decision-making powers allowing the region to set its own priorities including ensuring a vibrant future for towns and rural areas while securing the economic success of cities.
The deal is set to drive up living standards through better transport, improved skills and stronger businesses, while tackling the climate emergency has been secured for West Yorkshire.
Today’s agreement follows extensive negotiations between the Leaders of West Yorkshire Councils and Communities Minister Simon Clarke supported by officers from West Yorkshire authorities and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
Cllr Pandor says he is proud to have played a role in this and fought for the best possible deal for Kirklees in the negotiations.
He said:
“This is a huge day for West Yorkshire and for us in Kirklees. This gives us the funding and the power to take more of the decisions which affect our communities within the region.
Every place is unique and what works in one area might not be right for another. It is only right that the decisions made for West Yorkshire are done here with local people’s interests at heart.
I’m proud to have been one the council leaders working together in collaboration on this deal for West Yorkshire. Throughout the process I have been fighting for the very best outcome for Kirklees and to make sure we get the best deal possible for our residents.
I believe that this deal will help us in Kirklees to continue to deliver our ambitious investment plans. We are a council and a borough of real ambition and I will be a strong voice at West Yorkshire to make sure the opportunities within this deal come to Kirklees.”
What happens next?
The deal will be subject to a public consultation and will also be voted on by Full Council.
The deal will see the creation of a West Yorkshire Mayor, to be elected for the first time in May 2021, working with the Combined Authority. In the coming years, the West Yorkshire Mayor will also exercise governance and community safety functions currently held by the West Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner, similar to models in London and Greater Manchester. The planned Police and Crime Commissioner election in May will go ahead as planned.
More information
To find out more about the West Yorkshire Devolution deal visit the West Yorkshire Combined Authority website.
Make safer for kirklees Taxi drivers any crime against them should be dealt with priority responsible people’s should be charged accordingly. The council doesn’t help and not does Police any Good. We are Public Servers but very unprotected. I hope they put their Focus on this issue as soon as possible.
Just hope Kirklees do not waste the money that is coming their way, like they usually do on things that are of no use to the community.
My only hope is that none of this money is used to employ more beaurocrats and politicians but is all used to provide new and upgraded services and facilities for the people of West Yorkshire.