The West Yorkshire budget sets out a shift from planning to delivery
Leaders across West Yorkshire have approved a landmark budget worth more than £1 billion, setting out how the region will invest in transport, skills and housing over the coming years.
The agreement brings together the leaders of Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds and Wakefield alongside the Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin. Together, they signed off the spending plan as the region prepares to take control of its first-ever integrated funding settlement from April.
What the budget is designed to deliver
The plan focuses on creating a better-connected, better-skilled and better-built region. Importantly, it moves West Yorkshire from a period of long-term planning into an era of delivery.
The approved package includes a proposed revenue budget of £487 million and a capital investment programme of £767 million. As a result, leaders say communities and businesses will begin to see tangible benefits while the foundations are laid for long-term change.
Meanwhile, the new integrated settlement will allow local leaders to align investment across transport, housing, skills and business support more effectively than before.
Transport, skills and housing priorities
Transport remains the largest area of investment. Over the next financial year, £251 million will support concessionary travel, bus services, fare initiatives and preparations for bus franchising. In addition, major capital funding will improve bus, rail and active travel links across the region.
At the same time, more than £86 million has been allocated to skills and employment support. This includes funding for adult skills programmes, skills bootcamps and targeted help for residents with health conditions or disabilities to access work.
Housing also features strongly. The budget includes funding to unlock new housing sites, deliver affordable homes and improve the energy efficiency of existing properties. These measures aim to reduce household costs while supporting regeneration in town and city centres.
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said:
“This historic budget is all about three things – delivery, delivery, and delivery.
“By investing in the high‑quality homes people want, the skills and employment support people need, and the quick and reliable transport links people deserve, we will transform the economy and society of West Yorkshire for generations to come.
“For our communities, this will mean better buses, the next steps towards mass transit, warmer and more affordable homes, and faster and simpler routes into good jobs.
“This is how we’ll boost business growth and put more money in people’s pockets.”
To read the full budget paper, please visit: Business Planning and Budget.pdf
Why this matters for Leeds
The scale of the investment gives Leeds and the wider region long-term certainty. By coordinating funding across key priorities, local leaders can plan and deliver projects that support inclusive growth, raise living standards and strengthen the region’s economy.
Over the next four years, the integrated settlement is expected to unlock close to £2 billion of total investment across West Yorkshire.
