What does the £1.8bn West Yorkshire Devolution deal mean for Kirklees

The agreement, includes a Government commitment to support the development of a West Yorkshire Mass Transit System and investment from the Transforming Cities Fund which, with the other resources available through the deal, will enable the delivery of the full pipeline of West Yorkshire transport projects submitted in the region’s bid.

The deal also includes a guaranteed £1.1 billion over the next 30 years in a new West Yorkshire Investment Fund, money to develop plans for future housing sites

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.

So what does the West Yorkshire Devolution deal mean for Kirklees?

This is what we could see happen in the borough now the West Yorkshire devolution deal has been secured:

* A package of measures to make Huddersfield ‘Transpennine Upgrade-Ready’ through an upgrade to Huddersfield Bus Station, improved accessibility and cycle hub at Huddersfield Station and a new flagship cycle/footbridge bridge over Trinity Street

* Improvements for bus services, cycling and walking to reduce congestion and provide better access to employment sites between Batley, Chidswell and Tingley

* Better public transport in Dewsbury through a new bus interchange and cycling and walking routes to the town centre and colleges

Kirklees 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 the borough.

“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 other investment is planned for West Yorkshire?

* £38 million per year for 30 years into West Yorkshire Investment Fund with significant freedoms to spend on local priorities

* Government commitment to work with West Yorkshire to develop modern mass transit system through access to a new five-year integrated transport settlement

* £317 million to invest in public transport, cycling and walking through Transforming Cities Fund with local flexibility on delivery

* A £25 million fund to support the development of a British Library North in Leeds

* Control of the £63 million annual Adult Education Budget for West Yorkshire

*£500,000 of Government funding to support masterplanning in Bradford City Centre to maximise regeneration opportunities from Northern Powerhouse Rail

* Funding for the next stage of development of the outline business case for Leeds station redevelopment.

* £3.2 million to support the development of a pipeline of housing sites across West Yorkshire.

* £200,000 Government funding for collaboration at a Yorkshire-level through the Yorkshire Leaders Board