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West Yorkshire Mayor calls for further devolution

The Chancellor has been urged to give West Yorkshire more power over its future when he announces his autumn statement.

With one month to go until the Government gives an update on its plans for the economy, West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin has submitted a series of proposals to Jeremy Hunt which she believes will deliver on her “transformative ambitions to grow West Yorkshire, and the North”.

These include calls for a single funding settlement for the region – to help join up decisions on transport, skills and jobs — while avoiding time-consuming, competitive bidding processes which, she argues, divert resources from key priorities.

The mayor wants West Yorkshire Combined Authority to follow quickly in the footsteps of Greater Manchester and Birmingham, which were offered ‘Trailblazer’ devolution deals in March.

Ms Brabin said: “Devolution is working for West Yorkshire and we are serious about going faster and further to bring about even more benefits for the region.

“We have a proven track record of delivery — demonstrating that we’re ready for a Trailblazer devolution deal, to help grow our economy and improve lives.

“We need the Government to meet our ambition and are urging the Chancellor to provide the necessary powers and investment to help us build a West Yorkshire that works for all.”

The letter also calls for further commitments to fairness for local government funding and the West Yorkshire Mass Transit system.

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