West Yorkshire devolution will help economic recovery from Covid, Wakefield Council leader claims

Councillor Denise Jeffery, leader of Wakefield Council, said a power shift away from Westminster to the county will make communities better supported.

The long-running process of rubberstamping the deal West Yorkshire has agreed with the government is finally nearing its conclusion.

Under the agreement, the region will get £1.8billion worth of cash and elect a mayor next May.

Councillors in Wakefield will be asked to give the deal one final seal of approval next week before the matter is taken to Parliament in December.

The local authority previously voted in support of the deal in September.

In a statement released ahead of the meeting, Councillor Jeffery said: "This is the next stage as we take steps forward to devolution.

"By working together with neighbouring authorities we have a lot to gain from the £1.8 billion West Yorkshire devolution deal. It will give us greater decision-making powers on real issues that affect our residents and communities.

"As we continue to deal with the coronavirus pandemic and plan for the recovery of our economy and our communities, the devolution deal will be crucial.

"It will help us to shape a recovery that ensures all our communities are supported and strengthened."

Local Democracy Reporting Service