West Yorkshire Leaders Approve £1.2 Billion Budget to Drive Growth and Improve Connectivity

West Yorkshire leaders have endorsed a landmark budget of over £1.2 billion, designed to boost economic growth, skills, housing, and transport across the region.

The move comes as West Yorkshire prepares to take control of its first-ever integrated settlement from April 2026.

Mayor Tracy Brabin, joined by leaders from Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds, and Wakefield, emphasized the focus on delivery: “By investing in better homes, skills, and transport links, we will transform the economy and society of West Yorkshire for generations to come.”

The revenue budget of £487 million and capital programme of £767 million will support:

• Transport improvements including bus franchising, mass transit preparation, station upgrades, and fare reductions through the Mayor’s Fares scheme.

• Skills and employment support to help residents access well-paid jobs.

• Housing investment for secure, affordable, energy-efficient homes.

Transport investment remains central, with £251 million earmarked for concessionary travel, tendered bus services, and network operations. A 2% rise in the transport levy to £99.9 million will fund the final year of the transition to bus franchising, with phase one set to launch in Leeds and Kirklees in April 2027.

Major capital allocations include £326 million via CRSTS, £126 million through the West Yorkshire Transport Fund, and £125 million from the Transforming Cities Fund, targeting improvements to bus, rail, and active travel networks and preparing the region for a fully franchised bus system.