West Yorkshire’s £1.8 billion devolution deal will move a step closer to becoming law, when Calderdale Council’s Cabinet discusses the findings of the recent public consultation on the deal.
The aim of the deal is to enable more decisions to be made locally, more investment for the things that matter to local people, and more opportunities for people who live and work in West Yorkshire.
A record-breaking 4,413 people responded to the region’s devolution consultation, held between May and July 2020 by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and the five West Yorkshire councils.
A range of consultation methods gave residents, businesses and other interested parties the chance to have their say on the proposals. The majority of respondents showed strong support for the opportunities devolution will bring to the region, including more local decision-making and control over investment; opportunities for jobs and skills; improved supply and quality of housing; a boost to public transport, cycling, walking and connectivity; and the transfer of Police and Crime Commissioner responsibilities to the first ever West Yorkshire Mayor.
Each council will formally discuss the consultation feedback at their public Cabinet and Council meetings, with both of Calderdale Council’s meetings taking place on Wednesday 2 September.
Cabinet Members will be asked to agree to submit the summary of consultation responses to the Secretary of State by 11 September 2020. This will start the parliamentary process that is expected to result in voters electing the West Yorkshire Mayor in May 2021.
Cllr Tim Swift, Calderdale Council’s Leader, said:
“The devolution deal that West Yorkshire secured in March will make a big difference to everyone in our region, so it was great to see so many positive responses to the consultation.
“For the first time, we will have a direct say on decisions currently made by central Government, giving us greater power to decide how best to meet local needs. This will put us in the strongest position to support the region’s economic recovery from COVID-19.
“The deal will unlock significant long-term funding and create exciting new opportunities for people who live and work in Calderdale and the rest of West Yorkshire.”
Feedback from the West Yorkshire devolution deal public consultation will be discussed at Calderdale Council’s Cabinet meeting at 2pm on Wednesday 2 September 2020. The decision taken by Cabinet will be considered at a Full Council meeting later that day at 6pm. Both meetings will be held virtually and will be live streamed through the Council’s YouTube channel.