Express readers invited to ask questions about plans for West Yorkshire Mayor

Wakefield Council leader Denise Jeffery with other council leaders Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Simon Clarke MP after the signing of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority devolution in March

With just over two weeks to go, Wakefield Council is reminding residents to share their views on the ambitious £1.8bn devolution deal and proposals for a directly-elected Mayor.

The deal will see an historic transfer of powers and investment from central Government, to our region. It is a chance for the people of Wakefield to have a much greater say over the issues that affect them, including by directly electing the first West Yorkshire Mayor.

Coun Denise Jeffery, Leader of Wakefield Council, said: “Thank you to all those that have already taken part. This is the greatest opportunity in our lifetime to bring more power and funding to the Wakefield district so I please urge everyone, if you haven’t already, to have your say.

“This is a deal that guarantees long term funding that will allow us to invest in public transport, support business, improve skills and living standards while tackling the climate emergency. It will mean more of the decisions with major impacts on our district, which are currently taken in London, will be taken here.

“There’s lots of ways to take part and it only takes 20 minutes to complete.”

The five West Yorkshire councils already work together through the West Yorkshire Combined Authority. The devolution deal represents the next step forward in that partnership working. The biggest change will be the creation of a directly-elected Mayor who will take decisions with members of the Combined Authority.  

People have until 19 July to have their say on the West Yorkshire devolution deal. To take part visit yourvoice.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/WYdevolution 

Residents can also take part by:

· email to [email protected] 

· calling the freephone telephone number 0800 141 3657 and leaving a message

· post using the freepost address: Freepost WY Devolution Consultation (no stamp needed)

Wakefield Express readers are asked to send in their questions and Coun Jeffery will answer these in next week’s paper.

Coun Jeffery added: “If you have any questions, please do send them in. I’ll be happy to answer these in next week’s Express.”

For further information about devolution in West Yorkshire, please visit www.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/devolution