West Yorkshire Combined Authority Board - Thursday 12 March 2026, 11:30am - West Yorkshire Combined Authority Webcasting

West Yorkshire Combined Authority Board
Thursday, 12th March 2026 at 11:30am 

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  1. Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire
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  1. Sarah Naylor, Committee Services (West Yorkshire Combined Authority)
  2. Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire
  3. Cllr James Lewis (Leeds City Council)
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  2. Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire
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  1. Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire
  2. Mandy Ridyard (West Yorkshire Business Board)
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  1. Sarah Eaton, Director (West Yorkshire Combined Authority)
  2. Sarah Eaton, Director (West Yorkshire Combined Authority)
  3. Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire
  4. Cllr Alan Lamb Leeds City Council
  5. Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire
  6. Sarah Eaton, Director (West Yorkshire Combined Authority)
  7. Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire
  8. Sarah Eaton, Director (West Yorkshire Combined Authority)
  9. Ben Still, Chief Executive (West Yorkshire Combined Authority)
  10. Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire
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  1. Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe (Bradford Council)
  2. Liz Hunter, Director (West Yorkshire Combined Authority)
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  1. Cllr James Lewis (Leeds City Council)
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  3. Cllr Jackie Ferguson
  4. Felix Kumi-Ampofo, Director (West Yorkshire Combined Authority)
  5. Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire
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  1. Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire
  2. Cllr Scott Patient (Calderdale Council)
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  4. Ruth Davison (Director) West Yorkshire Combined Authority
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  6. Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire
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  1. Cllr James Lewis (Leeds City Council)
  2. Felix Kumi-Ampofo, Director (West Yorkshire Combined Authority)
  3. Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire
  4. Cllr Sue Holdsworth (Calderdale Council)
  5. Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire
  6. Felix Kumi-Ampofo, Director (West Yorkshire Combined Authority)
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  2. Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire
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  1. Felix Kumi-Ampofo, Director (West Yorkshire Combined Authority)
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  1. Ruth Davison (Director) West Yorkshire Combined Authority
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  3. Ruth Davison (Director) West Yorkshire Combined Authority
  4. Nikki Deol Assistant Director Legal, Governance & Compliance
  5. Ruth Davison (Director) West Yorkshire Combined Authority
  6. Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire
  7. Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire
  8. Ruth Davison (Director) West Yorkshire Combined Authority
  9. Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire
  10. Ruth Davison (Director) West Yorkshire Combined Authority
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  3. Cllr Scott Patient (Calderdale Council)
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  2. Simon Pope, Director (West Yorkshire Combined Authority)
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  5. Simon Pope, Director (West Yorkshire Combined Authority)
  6. Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire
  7. Cllr Scott Patient (Calderdale Council)
  8. Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire
  9. Cllr Scott Patient (Calderdale Council)
  10. Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire
  11. Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire
  12. Simon Pope, Director (West Yorkshire Combined Authority)
  13. Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire
  14. Cllr Alan Lamb Leeds City Council
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  16. Simon Pope, Director (West Yorkshire Combined Authority)
  17. Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire
  18. Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire
  19. Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire
  20. Nikki Deol Assistant Director Legal, Governance & Compliance
  21. Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire
  22. Simon Pope, Director (West Yorkshire Combined Authority)
  23. Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire
  24. Simon Pope, Director (West Yorkshire Combined Authority)
  25. Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire
  26. Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire
  27. Simon Pope, Director (West Yorkshire Combined Authority)
  28. Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire
  29. Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire
  30. Simon Pope, Director (West Yorkshire Combined Authority)
  31. Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire
  32. Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire
  33. Simon Pope, Director (West Yorkshire Combined Authority)
  34. Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire
  35. Cllr Matthew Morley (Wakefield Council)
  36. Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire
  37. Cllr James Lewis (Leeds City Council)
  38. Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire
  39. Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire
  40. Simon Pope, Director (West Yorkshire Combined Authority)
  41. Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire
  42. Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire
  43. Simon Pope, Director (West Yorkshire Combined Authority)
  44. Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire
  45. Cllr James Lewis (Leeds City Council)
  46. Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire
  47. Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire
  48. Simon Pope, Director (West Yorkshire Combined Authority)
  49. Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire
  50. Cllr James Lewis (Leeds City Council)
  51. Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe (Bradford Council)
  52. Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire
  53. Ben Still, Chief Executive (West Yorkshire Combined Authority)
  54. Simon Pope, Director (West Yorkshire Combined Authority)
  55. Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire
  56. Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire
  57. Simon Pope, Director (West Yorkshire Combined Authority)
  58. Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire
  59. Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire
  60. Simon Pope, Director (West Yorkshire Combined Authority)
  61. Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire
  62. Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire
  63. Simon Pope, Director (West Yorkshire Combined Authority)
  64. Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire
  65. Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire
  66. Simon Pope, Director (West Yorkshire Combined Authority)
  67. Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire
  68. Cllr Claire Douglas (York Council)
  69. Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire
  70. Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire
  71. Simon Pope, Director (West Yorkshire Combined Authority)
  72. Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire
  73. Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire
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  1. Felix Kumi-Ampofo, Director (West Yorkshire Combined Authority)
  2. Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire
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  4. Kate Taylor, Director West Yorkshire Combined Authority
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  1. Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire
  2. Liz Hunter, Director (West Yorkshire Combined Authority)
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  4. Paul Matthews, Director West Yorkshire Combined Authority
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  6. Paul Matthews, Director West Yorkshire Combined Authority
  7. Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire
  8. Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire
  9. Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe (Bradford Council)
  10. Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire
  11. Tim Craven Private Representative
  12. Tim Taylor Director (West Yorkshire Combined Authority)
  13. Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire
  14. Cllr Matthew Morley (Wakefield Council)
  15. Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire
  16. Cllr Matthew Morley (Wakefield Council)
  17. Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire
  18. Cllr Alan Lamb Leeds City Council
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  20. Cllr Alan Lamb Leeds City Council
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  22. Cllr Alan Lamb Leeds City Council
  23. Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire
  24. Tim Taylor Director (West Yorkshire Combined Authority)
  25. Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire
  26. Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire
  27. Kate Taylor, Director West Yorkshire Combined Authority
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  29. Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire
  30. Nikki Deol Assistant Director Legal, Governance & Compliance
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  1. Sarah Eaton, Director (West Yorkshire Combined Authority)
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  2. Jo Dent Assistant Director People & Transformation
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  2. Ben Still, Chief Executive (West Yorkshire Combined Authority)
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  6. Ben Still, Chief Executive (West Yorkshire Combined Authority)
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  1. Webcast Finished

1 Apologies for Absence

Thank you so much. Thank you everybody and welcome to the final combined authority meeting
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 0:00:09
of this municipal year, the last one before the elections. We have got an extraordinarily
long agenda, so much so we've scheduled lunch in the middle, a very rare occurrence. So
I'm not going to delay the meeting start for too long, but there are a couple of things
I would like to acknowledge at the top of this meeting three members of the Combined Authority
who are stepping down from their roles at this election.
Councillor Martin Love who has served as a political balance member for the Greens extremely well over the last 12 months.
Thank you for your service.
Councillor Barry Anderson has done an exceptional job as holding me to account as chair of the Combined Authority's
and a long -standing servant of Adele and Wharfedale in Leeds.
Thank you again for your many years of service.
And Councillor Jane Scullion is not with us today, but she has also decided to step down
as a Councillor in the May election.
So thank you Scott Paton representing Colterdale.
I'd just like to say Councillor Scullion has been an incredible friend to me and to many
in this room.
She's very wise, she's incredibly experienced and a passionate chair of the climate and
and Environment Committee.
She's made an enormous contribution to this region,
not only as a leader of Calderdale,
but as a member of the Combined Authority,
and one of the first female leaders of a CA
across the country, alongside Councillor Paterson
and Councillor Hinchliffe,
in that we are breaking the mould here in West Yorkshire
with our diversity of our leaders.
So, she is a fine woman and will be missed from this committee.
Thank you all, everyone, for your dedication and commitment
as public servants. It does, you know, you have to be a special kind of person to
want to be a councillor and put yourself forward for public service. So thank you
for your contributions making this combined authority the best it can
possibly be. So let's crack on to the meeting. Sarah can you confirm any

2 Declarations of Disclosable Pecuniary Interests

apologies? Thank you chair. We have apologies from Councillor Jane Scullion
Sarah Naylor, Committee Services (West Yorkshire Combined Authority) - 0:02:13
with councillor patient attending as a substitute and then we have apologies
from Councillor Denise Jeffrey with Councillor Matthew Morley attending as
substitute. Thank you so much any members have interest they wish to declare on
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 0:02:29
any item in the agenda? Councillor Lewis. Thank you chair on item 19 of collective
Cllr James Lewis (Leeds City Council) - 0:02:33
bargaining just to declare it's not a pecuniary interest but I want to declare it for the
record it refers to the National Joint Council and I'm a member and chair of
the employer side at the moment the NJC. Thank you and Nicky you're content with
I am chair, thank you.
Super, okay exclusion of press and public.

3 Exempt Information - Possible Exclusion of the Press and Public

Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 0:02:52
Officers have advised that the information contained in Appendix 7 to the Agenda Item 13, Bus Franchising and
Appendix 1 to Agenda Item 14,
ENCTS disabled travel are treated as exempt under paragraph 3 of part 1 to schedule 12a of the Local Government Act
1972. This is because they contain information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular
person, including the CA, and further that it considered that the public interest in
maintaining the content of the appendices as exempt outweighs the public interest in
disclosing the information as publication would prejudice current and future decision -making.
Please note, however, that although Appendix 7 to Item 13 remains exempt under a aforementioned
Act, officers have now confirmed that one specific element can now be shared publicly
and falls out of scope. When we reach item 13 the presenting officer will
speak to this point as part of their introduction and the remainder of the
appendix must remain confidential. As with both items referenced above, should
members wish to discuss any exempt content when we come to items 13 and 14
the press and public will need to be excluded. If we agree the press and
public will be excluded, should members wish to discuss the content of the
appendices when we consider items 13 and 14.
Can members agree to the exclusion of press and
public during consideration of agenda item 13,
appendix 7, and agenda item 14, appendix 1,
in accordance with paragraph 3 of part 1 of
schedule 12a to the local government act 1972?
Can we agree?
Those in favour, please raise your hand.
Thank you.
Those against?
Those abstaining?
Thank you.
the recommendations have been carried.
Moving on to the minutes of the meeting

4 Minutes of the Meeting of the Combined Authority held on 22 January 2026

Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 0:04:43
held at 22nd of January, 2026.
Any comments or questions?
Are we content these are an accurate record?
Thank you.
OK, moving on to the mayor's update.

5 Mayor's Update

As I said earlier, lots and lots on this agenda today.
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 0:05:02
By my calculations, we are approving 230 million pounds
for the people of West Yorkshire from our investments in our region at today's meeting,
proving we really are delivering across the whole of our region and that is notwithstanding
the two billion for the integrated settlement and also the money for mass transit and investment
in transport.
Last month I led a delegation of 12 of the region's fantastic innovative health tech
businesses on a trade mission to Germany and Switzerland,
some of our closest European partners that were
supported by KPMG, and helped to secure export
deals and inward investment.
We showcased proudly a northern square mile in
Zurich, building on new connexions with the
financial technology and legal technology sectors,
and building on the Berne Agreement that was hot off
the press days before we arrived.
We were the first combined authority to make the most
of that burn agreement, helping our tech and financial and professional services make new
connexions. I championed West Yorkshire's interests. As I say, I'm the ongoing free
trade agreement with the UK's ambassador to Switzerland, and we've already secured some
real tangible benefits that businesses have achieved on the mission. Two contracts already
signed, six follow -up meetings happening over the next couple of weeks. And I'd like to
thank Mandi Ridyard, my business advisor, for
joining me on the trade mission and all the
businesses who joined us.
Mandy Ridyard (West Yorkshire Business Board) - 0:06:36
Colleagues around the table may also have seen I
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 0:06:38
joined with my fellow mayors across the north to
suggest a pan -northern Olympic bid to the
Secretary of State for Culture, Media, and Sports,
and the idea was very well received.
We will continue to work with our colleagues to
develop the proposal further.
Since the last meeting, I also spent a large part of
my time working on other things on the agenda.
So without further ado, let's turn to the main items.
But do remember, this is a huge meeting
with 230 million pounds going out the door.
So we will need to concentrate
as we go through these recommendations.

6 Integrated Settlement & Investment Programme Updates

Okay, integrated settlement and investment programme, item six.
This is an update on that programme
that will support its delivery.
I want to begin by recognising the scale of work
that's gone into developing this settlement
over the past year.
It represents a major step forward for West Yorkshire,
and thank you to colleagues across the CA,
our councils and government,
for their efforts in bringing us to this point.
As the report sets out, we now have clarity
on the funding available to us over the next four years,
and I'm encouraged by the progress made
on finalising the outcomes framework.
It's essential to ensuring we can demonstrate delivery,
and I know we all welcome the flexibility
the settlement provides to align investment
with the needs of our communities. I'm also pleased to see the breadth of
investment proposed across our programmes from business growth, innovation, culture,
skills, transport, housing and climate action. They build on that 230 million
pounds of investment we're approving today and as I say part of our two
million pound integrated settlement. An incredible moment for West Yorkshire as
we are entering into that new dawn for devolution. These plans reflect our
shared ambition to create a stronger, fairer, and more
sustainable region, and give us a platform to accelerate
delivery from April.
The report makes clear there's a small number of
targets who are being still finalised with government,
and there's further work to do to ensure our delivery
plans are fully integrated and robust.
But the direction of travel is extremely positive, and I
am confident that with the right governance and
partnership working place, we can make the most of this
incredible opportunity for West Yorkshire.
So, can I ask Sarah Eaton, our Director of Strategy, Communication and Intelligence,
to take us through the recommendations please. Sarah.
Thank you, Mayor. And I think you've covered quite a lot that was in the report, but just
Sarah Eaton, Director (West Yorkshire Combined Authority) - 0:09:10
to kind of step backwards really. I think we've brought a number of reports to the Combined
Authority over the last 12 months that have essentially set out the journey that we've
been on in terms of developing the integrator settlement. So the paper is in two parts really.
The first is around kind of giving an update on where we've got to with the development
of the integrated settlement outcome framework and the second part is around how we translate
some of the work that we've been doing over this past year into delivery and allows us
to drive forward our priorities that are set out in corporate plan and direct business
plans.
Sarah Eaton, Director (West Yorkshire Combined Authority) - 0:09:43
So just really I'm going to take the report in those two parts.
I think initially just to start off as you outlined, the announcement in the 2024 budget
it gave us that kind of step on our devolution journey, really.
And it's a key driver around delivery of a lot of our plans
that we've previously spoke about in this space,
particularly around the local growth plan,
and other key strategies and plans,
such as the local transport plan,
which is on the agenda for today.
Just over 2 .1 billion, just approaching 2 .1 billion now
in terms of the final funding scope.
But to obviously, as we know,
to kind of get access to those funds in scope,
we've been working over this last year to create that kind of accountability framework
really which is the outcomes framework which is set out in front of you today. And that's
essentially to give us that structured approach, kind of defining, measuring and reporting
on the combined authority delivery which is really important because I think a key part
of the integrated assessment is that transparency. Both back to national government in terms
of our delivery but also to the public in terms of using the funds that we've got to
to deliver the targets that we've set out.
I think that's really important.
And that is based on the funding that's
been allocated during this spending review period.
We've also outlined in previous reports the fact
that as we've been developing the integrated settlement
outcome framework, we've also been developing a broader
outcomes framework.
And that's essentially so that we've got alignment
across the work that we're doing across the combined authority.
So whilst we've got funds that come through the integrated
settlement, we've also got additional funds
that come to the combined authority that help us deliver
particularly things like gainshare. So the second part of the report I'll talk through
around how we're looking to kind of deliver against that broader outcomes framework and
that broader set of funding that comes to us. So the report sets out the kind of the latest
position in terms of the negotiating of targets. At the time of writing we've attached the latest
position. We have made some significant progress over the last week and what we intend to do so
that members have got an updated position
is to just step through the appendix
so that you're aware of the latest targets
that we've been negotiating with government.
And we're on track, I think, to kind of hit
the deadline of mid next week to kind of final all of these.
There is a couple of areas where we're still in negotiation
and I think government are coming back to us,
but hopefully I can set that out
as we progress through this paper.
I think just before I do that and we step into appendix 1, I think it's probably just useful to talk about how we're going to be monitoring our progress over this next period.
As we've outlined previously, there will be a board that will be chaired by government and that's a programme board.
MHCLG and senior officials from across departments and HM Treasury will be in attendance.
we will be required over that period to report on a six monthly basis providing
monetary reports on the programme and that will provide a holistic summary of
delivery, progress, spends and forecasts and that board will give us
the opportunity to kind of discuss where we are at any given period of time and
to look at whether we're on track or not on track and the trailblazers
that have recently been working on this over the last year have recently been
through that process and they have found that to be an extremely useful tool to
kind of keep on track but also to kind of understand where there might be
movement away from targets that have originally been set and I think that's
an important point is that we are agreeing these targets today but there
will be opportunities within this period to kind of have a look and potentially
reset if we think that there's anything that is impacting on delivery. So if I
could just step through appendix one with colleagues I think that would be
really helpful just to kind of explain the differences between the paper and what's happened
over the last week. So if I just take members to page 32 in terms of the IS funds in scope,
I think a difference from when we've previously talked, we've had two additional funding streams
that are going to be coming into the integrated settlement. They are outside of the scope
that we've previously talked about.
So these are new funds and they're highlighted
in the final two columns of the quantum
that is set out on this page.
One of these is around retro funding
that is coming to the Combined Authority,
expecting this towards the end of March.
And you'll see in the final column there some funding,
totaling about $8 .9 million for supported housing services.
So just to flag that, that is different to what
we've previously been talking about but is coming forward.
I think also to note, if we look at the fourth column
and the second from Down Adult Skills Fund, we've recently been awarded an additional
3 .5 million into the Adult Skills Fund so that we can deliver. There are no additional
targets attached to that funding that is coming through, so just so that members are aware
that has been confirmed over this last week. If I step onto page 33, I can confirm that
there have been no changes to the targets on page 33.
They have been relatively defined early on.
And this is the, if people are aware,
this is the theme that we've got, the maximum flexibility,
because we're able to kind of move resources around that.
So there's been, that's been the first kind of theme
that we've subsequently agreed.
If we move on to page 34,
this is the housing and strategic planning theme.
If we look at the housing completed indicator, I think previously there the target was to
be confirmed.
I can now confirm as of this week that the number that is going in there is 247 homes
completed.
I think colleagues will be aware that as we move through this period around delivery,
this is a new funding that is coming, actually being able to deliver over that period that
247 homes reflects kind of where we are at the current moment in time.
What we do know is that as we work through this programme this funding will
unlock over 4 ,000 homes completed by the end of that period. So I'll just move on
to the next page which is transport and local infrastructure. This is an area
where there has been the most movement I think we would say. So I'll just step
through one by one. In terms of the public transport connectivity score at the top of
the page there has been no change to the target but the baseline has moved from 39 to 69 just
so that people are aware of that. In terms of bus patronage and this is the one where
we are still in the final throes of our negotiations with government the target will change. Previously
set there at 115, we are looking at a range for that target of between 117 million journeys
and 119 .9 million journeys and we're just making some final adjustments to that based
on discussions around the baseline and modelling for those indicators. So if I can just draw
people's attention to that one. As we move down the list, if we look at bus
passenger satisfaction. There are actually three indicators there relating to bus satisfaction.
In our negotiations with government, we've reached a position where for all three of
those indicators, the target is now 85 % and that is in line with discussions that we've
been having across government and with other male or strategic authorities that will all
be working towards a similar target for bus passenger satisfaction, which is reflecting
the government's ambition to improve services and satisfaction with services across the
country. If we move to the next indicator which is the average number of walking, wheeling
and cycling journey stages per person per year, this is related to active travel. I
can confirm that that target has now been removed and what will be placed is to be determined
and that is specifically because there is a new strategy, a cycling, walking and investment
strategy coming on board and I think we've agreed with government that it would be better
to align with what is coming out of that strategy rather than have that target in there. So
colleagues can confirm that. And in terms of miles of compliance, improved active travel
network, the target is now six and you'll see there. And that will be a target that
will be agreed up to the autumn 27. So that is not a target that is running to the end
this period we will need to go back and have a look at that at a certain point. Again that reflects where we are in that work on active travel at the moment.
So I will move on to the next page which is page 36 in your pack. Just to confirm there are two indicators around road casualties and killed or seriously injured indicators.
There has been no change to the target but there has been a change to both of the baselines on these indicators
the baseline for the first targets on killed or seriously injured has now changed to
1394 and the baseline for the target for child roads casual casualties has changed marginally from 175 to 179
I will move on so moving on to page
37 we're now into skills and employment support
Again, there have been a number of changes here, particularly as we have been having
discussions on two programmes, and I think we have talked about this previously, the
Connect to Work programme and the construction skills package. We have been having quite
a lot of negotiations on the Connect to Work and I am pleased to say that we have managed
to move forward on this, although what that means is that we are aligning now to a national
contract and those figures have increased. So if we look at the supported employment
programme starts, that's the second indicator on this list. The target has now been amended
to 4 ,466. If I move down to the next list in terms of active work supported employment
and participants, in terms of the first target, target A, that has now shifted and the number
is 3 ,226. And if you move to the second target, which is around the higher threshold job outcome,
that has increased to 2 ,174 in terms of the work that we've done in our negotiations.
If we look at the target underneath that, which is around in -work retention,
that target has increased from 963 to 1 ,345 in our discussions with government.
That is around Connect to Work.
The next target on the list, if I can just draw your attention to this, is a
construction...
construction skills package that's just slipped out of my memory, I've been talking about
it all day, but the construction skills package is an area where at the moment we've not concluded
our negotiations with government and I think it's fair to say that this is something that
all MSAs that are negotiation integrated settlements are have written to the government about and
we're expecting that these indicators are indicators that will be agreeing possibly
towards the beginning of next week and we can obviously keep you updated around
that. If we move on to page 38 just to draw your attention to the fourth
indicator on that list which is the supported employment programme starts the
indicator the target there has changed marginally from 12 ,776 it now stands at
12 ,970 and if we can again the next target on the list is a is a
construction skills package target, that has not yet been agreed and there's likely to
be some movement on that. If we move down to the target which starts with teaching days
delivered by industry professionals, again that is a construction skills package target
and there is likely to be movement and if we look at the last one on that list, industry
placements completed, again that's a construction skills package target and again we're likely
to see some movement in that. That is the area where we've been having the most negotiations
with government on, which is the industry placements. So just moving onwards, I think
pages 39, just to confirm, there have been no changes to targets on that page. And if
we move on to page 40, again, no changes to the targets that are outlined and set out
on that page. So hopefully that just gives members and people who are listening an update
on the latest position in terms of where we've got to. I'll just move back onto the rest
of the paper, if that's okay.
So, as I've mentioned, during this period,
there will be that opportunity to kind of reflect back
on these targets and indicators
in those discussions with governments,
which I think is a welcome.
It's a long period of time, isn't it?
And making sure that we've got that ability
to kind of look through as we move forward is important.
Just in terms of the second part of the paper,
not intending to spend an awful lot of time on this,
but it's really important that as we kind of move
from negotiating the targets
that we move into implementation.
And as we've been talking to you over the past year,
we've been really highlighting the plans
that we're wanting to take forward.
We've had a number of strategies that come to the Combined Authority
and we really need to move into delivery.
So what this second half is looking at is kind of bringing together
across all of our outcomes that are in the outcomes framework,
the key investment programmes that we think we will be needing
to progress and move forward within 26, 27.
and obviously as I said earlier that is against the whole of our funding package, particularly
the budget report that we fetched to yourselves for approval on the 22nd of January 2026.
The appendix is a really good appendix, it sets out how all of those investment programmes
are aligned to the outcomes framework. I'm not intending to go through that, Mayor, I'll
stop speaking now and open it up to questions. Thank you.
Thank you. I mean, it was really worth taking the time over that, Sarah. Thank you. Because
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 0:23:57
it's still a live process of negotiation, so well done. And I think that you cannot
have a universal approach to outcomes because every region is different. And I think there
are some where all the MSAs are standing together because it's overambitious and we don't want
set up set ourselves up for failure either knowing our communities as we do
any comments on this paper yes councillor long yeah thank you thank you
Cllr Alan Lamb Leeds City Council - 0:24:27
for the the level of detail you've given just two quick questions conscious of
time so and hug everything at one what are the consequences if we don't
achieve any or significant amounts of the the outcomes because that's not
really set out clearly and you can see where the accountability is going up but it's not
really clear what would actually happen in practise if we weren't meeting the targets
in a significant way. And the second bit is obviously it's welcome that we've got the
money, it's welcome that we've got more freedom and flexibility albeit it is checked somewhat
by the government. But how confident given the scale of programmes that we now have to
deliver our officers that we've got the capacity to deliver all of this simultaneously because
the ambition is great, there's a lot to do and it's a big scale up.
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 0:25:25
Sarah Eaton, Director (West Yorkshire Combined Authority) - 0:25:27
So I think in terms of what happens if we don't deliver, I think as I've outlined, I
think the programme board is an opportunity for us as we're progressing to discuss with
government how we're moving along and we'll do that on a six monthly basis so I think
there's an opportunity through those discussions to kind of really reset if
we think there's anything that is taking us out of delivery of the target and I
think I think that process should get us to a position where at the end of that
programme we're not looking you know this isn't about necessarily clawing back
resources from the combined authority. I think the fact that it's an integrated
settlement and we can move resources around as well means that we can
obviously look at where we might need to if we don't think we can deliver where
we've got flexibility to kind of address underperformance if we think there is any underperformance
on our targets. And I think that is one of the positives around having an integrated
settlement. It does allow us that greater flexibility to look at where we might have
got gaps or where we are underdelivering against our projected targets and take action throughout
that period. So I think that's the process that we will follow. I think in the appendices
we have outlined the technical guidance that comes along with the integrated settlement
that we'll be following. It does set out in detail kind of the approach. I think we have
previously discussed whether, you know, if any external events that could impact on this,
you know, potentially things like, you know, increased cost of living or recessions or
anything that would have an impact on, there is a section in the technical guidance which
which sets out what would happen and what government would do to perhaps look at that
reset across the piece if indeed there was some some kind of external events which impacted on our
delivery. So I think we're confident that in terms of the our ability to kind of manage our approach
during this period we'll get advance warning. This will require us to do a lot of reporting
and monitoring. We are really conscious that this is a you know significant amount of money
and you know ensuring that we're monitoring and managing our performance of this period will be absolutely essential.
I think that transparency to the public is really important as I said earlier.
I think in terms of capacity to deliver...
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 0:27:38
I'll just ask Ben around that and then we can move on. Thank you Ben.
Sarah Eaton, Director (West Yorkshire Combined Authority) - 0:27:41
Thank you chair.
There's two papers on the agenda that address that question.
Ben Still, Chief Executive (West Yorkshire Combined Authority) - 0:27:52
The first is as Sarah has already outlined, the annexes to the paper we're currently discussing
set out the allocations of funding of that two billion pounds of integrated
framework funding. The business plans which are later on the
agenda for your approval this morning set out what we're going to
deliver and those business plans are costed and are resourced, either already
resourced or with the resourcing plan in place. That's the mechanism by which we
will aim to hit these targets. Thank you and we knew the integrated settlement
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 0:28:21
was coming, we prepared ourselves for this and it's very ambitious but we will deliver.
Okay, any further comments? Thank you. Right, we all agreed to endorse the latest draught
integrated settlement outcomes framework as set out in appendix one, notwithstanding there
is still some negotiations ongoing, and note the delegated approval for the chief executive
in consultation with myself to finalise the integrated settlement framework ahead of ministerial
sign off and also agree the indicative high -level investment programmes outlined
in the report at appendix 2 to support delivery of the integrated settlement
and priorities in the corporate plan and directorate business plans. Are we in
favour please raise your hand. Thank you and those against any abstentions thank
you the recommendations have been carried. Okay moving on local transport

7 Local Transport Plan

Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 0:29:14
plan this is the adoption of our new local transport plan it's been a long
time in development, another huge step towards transforming how people move around our region.
It sets out our vision all the way to 2040, co -created by our partners right across the
region and giving us a clear and ambitious roadmap, setting out our policies and delivery
priorities for building the Weaver network that would put people, places and sustainability
first. And what really stands out, I would say in the report, is the sheer strength of
public support, thousands of people took part in the engagement and consultation.
The response was overwhelmingly positive.
Every single policy received majority backing and in many cases very strong backing, which
shows just how aligned our communities are with the vision for cleaner, safer, more accessible
travel.
I'm pleased to see how the plan has been strengthened following consultation, making it even more
robust reflecting what people want from the future of our region.
and each of the five local authorities has endorsed the plan through their own processes.
I would say that united commitment means we are now perfectly placed to drive forward delivery
through the implementation plans starting later this year, supported by the major funding available
through the integrated settlement, giving us the tools, the partnerships, the momentum we need to
deliver meaningful change for our communities. May I come to Councillor Susan Hinchliffe,
chair of the Transport Committee to introduce the report and then Liz Hunter, interim Executive
Director of Transport to take us through the recommendations. Over to you, Susan.
Thank you very much, Mayor. Just to say that this has been through the Transport Committee
Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe (Bradford Council) - 0:30:57
several times now. I had a lot of feedback from Transport Committee members who do see
this as a crucial part of our future transport plans. Obviously it's been through all the
local authorities now and it really does set out for government and any other
investors what our strategy is. So it's so important to have plans like
this because otherwise we can't draw down that money. So we're investment
ready, it's there, it's approved by everybody, it's had lots of feedback and
obviously we're already delivering some of it and now we just accelerate that
delivery. So I just commend this too and pass to the officers, thank you.
Thank you, Liz. Thank you. Given the comments made so far on that, this is not
the first time the Combined Authority members have seen this. You saw it before
Liz Hunter, Director (West Yorkshire Combined Authority) - 0:31:37
the consultation and it is here now before you post that consultation so
you're asked shortly to note the findings of the outcome of that
consultation as already mentioned. As the Mayor has said, we've strengthened
policies within the document based on that consultation
around things like climate resilience, biodiversity, inclusivity, safety and
the process.
It is now before you for approval and
adoption and alongside it is our
integrated sustainability assessment, the ISA statement
and habitat regulations assessment which is there
alongside the documents for your approval if you wish today.
Thank you.
Thank you so much Liz. We have seen many iterations of this.
Any comments on this? No? Great stuff. Thank you.
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 0:32:22
Are members happy to note the findings of the consultation outcome report, appendix
three, approve and adopt the local transport plan, appendix one, approve the post -consultation
integrated sustainability appraisal, the ISA statement and habitat regulations assessment,
appendices 8 to 10, subject to LTP approval?
All happy to vote on these.
Please in favour raise your hand.
Thank you.
Any against?
Any abstentions?
Thank you.
The recommendations have been carried.
Moving on, item eight, region of learning and creativity.

8 Region of Learning & Creativity Strategy

Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 0:33:00
This was a new approach I promised two years ago.
We all know our region has huge potential, but for too long, too many people have been
held back by lack of opportunity and a fragmented national skill system.
This strategy sets out a clear and ambitious plan to change that.
Thank you to everybody who contributed to getting us to this point.
The strategy builds on extensive consultation, which reached almost 500 partners, employers,
VCSE groups, training providers.
That level of involvement gives us confidence.
This is a strategy shaped with the region, not just for it.
I'm also encouraged by the strength of the ambitions it sets out, from inspiring young
people, to supporting adults to build fulfilling working lives, to helping employers access
the skills they need to grow. The commitments to halve the number of young people not in
education or training, halve the number of residents without essential qualifications
and significantly increase apprenticeships starts to show the scale of what we intend
to deliver. We'll be able to deliver this strategy because of the integrated settlement
which gives us a genuine opportunity to do things differently with more control over skills funding and
Far better alignment across the system. We can finally take that joined up long -term approach to skills
creativity and
Employment one that reflects the needs of our communities and ambitions for our businesses
Would you like to say a few words Councillor Lewis as chair of the economy committee and then I'll pass over to Felix Kumi
and Pofo our director inclusive economies skills and culture. Councillor Lewis.
Cllr James Lewis (Leeds City Council) - 0:34:47
Thank you Mayor. Just to touch on the the promise made of a verbal update this has
been considered by the Economic Committee on a number of occasions.
People have a lot of support for bringing together all the work in a
really really fragmented system in one place and I think it's something when we
were arguing all those years ago for more for more power and responsibility to
combined authority was partly to bring everything together on a West Yorkshire
wide basis on an area people understand. I mean clearly moving
forward once you've agreed the strategy today hopefully then we'll be in the
place where we have to get on and deliver it and make sure what is
promised here around that single cohesive system is put into place but I
know there's such goodwill around this and all the people that sit around the
table whether it's employers, providers, employees representatives are all really
keen for us to get on with this. Thank you, Mayor. Thank you and certainly that
escalator of opportunity for all is really important for us as a Regent
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 0:35:48
Felix. Thank you Mayor, thanks Councillor Lewis. In the West Yorkshire plan you agreed a
set of missions. Two that are relevant to this strategy are the Happy Mission and
Cllr Jackie Ferguson - 0:36:04
and the prosperous mission, this strategy speaks to the two of them specifically, whilst
obviously making a contribution to the others.
Felix Kumi-Ampofo, Director (West Yorkshire Combined Authority) - 0:36:09
And in the local growth plan, which you approved and adopted a year and a bit ago, one of the
five priorities was around skills, recognising what the evidence said about the skills profile
of our workforce and the challenge and therefore the opportunity that is in front of us.
And that's why in the local growth plan, you agreed to make that commitment to have the
number of people with no or very low qualifications and to ensure that everybody has access to
reach a minimum level three.
This strategy puts flesh on those commitments and it allows us to go much further to work
out how, as a partnership, we can deliver on those bold commitments.
It's built on four key themes, as the mayor has set out, inspiring futures, focusing largely
on young people, and under each of the four themes we make a set of bold ambitions.
So the West Yorkshire Promise, which is about soft skills, it's about internship and placement
opportunities, this allows us to locate that in the work we're doing and to be able to
work with partners.
Likewise, fulfilling lives, employer excellence, and also the work we need to do to make sure
the system is working for everybody and everybody, whether it's residents, parents and guardians,
people in education or employers, have all the support and the know -how to be able to
navigate that system.
The ask today is for you to consider this and if you are minded to approve it and adopt
so we can, as part of the investment programme,
begin the delivery of this.
Thank you very much.
Thank you so much, Felix.
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 0:37:54
And I'm so happy we've got to this point
that now we have this strategy and can build on it.
Any comments?
No, thank you so much.
Are we happy to approve the Region of Learning and Creativity Strategy?
Are we happy to approve?
All in favour?
Thank you. Any against?
Any abstentions?
Thank you, the recommendations are carried.
Moving on to item 9, Local Nature Recovery Strategy publication.

9 Local Nature Recovery Strategy Publication

Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 0:38:19
As you know, our natural environment is incredibly important to the people of West Yorkshire
and they deeply feel the loss of wildlife and the decline in the quality of our rivers,
wetlands and green spaces.
And I want to acknowledge that concern from the public and thank everyone who has taken
the time to contribute their insight and expertise throughout this process.
the strategy sets out a clear vision for West Yorkshire that is rich in nature.
From moor to valley, river to city, gives us a structured way to reverse decline,
restore habitats, strengthen ecological networks and reconnect people with their
nature for a greener and healthier future. Now water runs as an overarching
thread through the strategy highlighting interconnected and ambitious water
projects to deliver a region that is more swimmable,
with safe, healthy, and accessible waterways.
I know we will all welcome the fact
this strategy is being shaped collaboratively,
not just across our councils and national partners,
but with communities, with young people, with farmers, landowners,
environmental groups.
And with 95 % of consultation respondents supporting the plan,
it's clear the people of West Yorkshire
are with us on this journey.
So if I may ask Scott patient on the climate committee to just say a few words and then Ruth Davison
Interim director of environment in place but takes through recommendations Scott
Thank you, Mayor and thank you very much
Cllr Scott Patient (Calderdale Council) - 0:39:57
I know councillor Scully and if she was here will be speaking effusively about this and you mentioned water and I think
Water is something all of our boroughs have a relationship with for good or bad
whether it's the threat of flooding or the way it's enabled the Industrial Revolution, you know to help bring
prosperity back in the day, but I think
Thinking back on how long this and the local nature recovery strategy has been
Gone through the kind of West Yorkshire Combined Authority system since 2023 is really testament to all the work
engagement, stakeholder mapping and the role of scrutiny actually within the
Within the combined authority has been really really strong
I think the sheer amount of respondents and people saying how they're behind us on this shows what nature means to people
Access to nature being in nature and opening up opportunities to be in nature even more so a really great piece of work
Absolutely behind it and thank you very much to officers who were key in shaping this and enabling it to go forward. Thank you
Thank you so much Ruth
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 0:40:59
Thank you, Mayor. So this will be West Yorkshire's first local nature recovery strategy and as
Ruth Davison (Director) West Yorkshire Combined Authority - 0:41:02
has already been articulated, once adopted this can become something that shapes our
decisions on spatial planning for the benefits and wellbeing of residents of West Yorkshire.
It also has the added advantage of underpinning our biodiversity net gain approach so that
when we are building in West Yorkshire we can then recover nature within West Yorkshire
rather than developers being pulled into other areas of the country and shaping and improving
each other.
For us at the Combined Authority, we have already started to work with partners around
this strategy and how we develop the schemes that can deliver the strategy should it be
agreed today.
The recommendation here would be that the Combined Authority notes the strategy but
that you then use your power to adopt the strategy on behalf of West Yorkshire.
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 0:42:00
Thank you so much. Any comments on the strategy? No, thank you. Can we vote on the recommendation?
No to the content of the West Yorkshire Local Nature Recovery Strategy. Those in favour,
please raise your hand. Anyone against? Any abstentions? The recommendation has been carried.
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 0:42:23
Thank you. I am content to approve and adopt the West Yorkshire Nature's Recovery Strategy
in the document library. That was a new one for me. The document library is going to be

10 International Strategy for Economic Growth

interesting. Is it like the House of Commons library? Okay, item 10, International Strategy
for Economic Growth. The next item is our International Strategy for Economic Growth,
a region of world -class strengths in health and life sciences, advanced manufacturing,
digital, creative industries, and in the green economy.
This strategy sets out how we turn those trends into global advantage.
This work has been shaped through extensive collaboration.
Our councils, universities, chambers, business groups, national partners have all contributed
in showing this is a strategy rooted in the ambitions and expertise of the whole region.
And that shared ownership is something I'm really proud of, another example of the West
Yorkshire way.
I'm encouraged by the clarity of the six priorities at the heart of the strategy, from
boosting trade, attracting inward investment, strengthening research collaboration, growing
our visitor economy, supporting international students, and enhancing West Yorkshire's
soft power on the global stage.
These priorities give us a clear framework for raising our international profile and
driving long -term economic growth.
Alongside this, the strategy introduces a more focused,
evidence -based approach to how we work internationally
with a new system for identifying priority markets
and by distinguishing between active, developing and emerging relationships,
we can better target our resources and build high -impact partnerships
that match our regional strengths.
If I could ask Councillor Lewis to introduce
and then I'll turn to Felix to take through the recommendations.
Thank you, and I think just to build on your introduction, I think it is really positive
Cllr James Lewis (Leeds City Council) - 0:44:15
for us to have this strategy moving forward, very much focused on how trade and our relations
around the world can support economic growth in West Yorkshire.
One of the things that came out, again, when it was discussed at the economy committee
was particularly the role our seven universities play.
They often have strong international link through their day -to -day work and bringing
that in again with businesses that work around the globe as well to give us that.
to give us that route forward for how we can properly support economic growth.
Thank you so much and over to you Felix.
Felix Kumi-Ampofo, Director (West Yorkshire Combined Authority) - 0:44:56
Thank you Mayor. As the Mayor already said, this is the first time we've tried to do this,
to have a look at our international strategy and all our activity,
try to bring it together in a logical and coherent framework.
It speaks to the West Yorkshire plan, it speaks to the local growth plan.
And the objectives set out in the strategy, which are about expanding our global footprint,
about ensuring that West Yorkshire is well positioned internationally, and also making
sure we are guided by our businesses, by our key sectors, in terms of where we go, what
we do, and the activities that we focus on.
This allows – this strategy allows us to bring all of that together in one place to
guide the work we do.
The mayor mentioned the trade mission,
which took place just a week or so ago,
that was born out of a lot of the thinking
that has gone in here.
And the makeup of that delegation,
which included businesses and universities
and other partners, is testament to the work
that we're doing and the collaboration
that is already underway.
The priority set out in the strategy
allows us to build on not just what the combined authority
or local authorities do, but also what our universities
are very good at doing, not just in research,
but also tapping into their students and the markets there
and their alumni network.
Also allows us to work with the chambers who frequently
travel abroad to make sure we are working together
as partners, irrespective of who is travelling,
that the West Yorkshire narrative goes with that.
And we represent ourselves and we take advantage
of the opportunities there.
I think at the heart of this is also
are saying that we do this because we need to grow our economy to improve the life of
our residents and ensure our businesses here are as successful as possible.
And so we go in working with the governments where free trade agreements exist, which remove
the friction and ensure that businesses are able to trade.
So I'll leave it there, Mayor, if that's okay.
But this – if you are minded to – if you are minded to approve this, it will then guide
the work that we do from now onwards. Thank you. Thank you and increasingly our businesses are looking to the world in order to grow and we want
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 0:47:09
to be attractive to
businesses in other countries as well. So we definitely want to do more work here. Any comments on the industrial strategy?
And the international strategy, apologies. Councillor Holdsworth.
Thank you, Madam. Just a quick question.
Page 79, 3 .1.
Cllr Sue Holdsworth (Calderdale Council) - 0:47:28
international students, given that the number of international students applying to UK universities
is falling at the moment, how are we going to manage to secure the numbers coming through
are going to feed into the strategy? Thank you. And what was interesting on the
trade mission with the Prime Minister in India, that universities are now going abroad to
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 0:47:53
set up universities where we have such fantastic reputations, don't we, globally, universities
abroad to teach students in situ. But I'll come to you, Felix.
Thank you, Mayor, and thanks. Thank you for the question, Councillor Oswick. In this strategy
Felix Kumi-Ampofo, Director (West Yorkshire Combined Authority) - 0:48:11
specifically we are not saying that the CA is going to work with partners to grow international
numbers. That is the work of the universities. They know what they're doing. They have their
remit and their resources to be able to do that.
We are here to support them.
What we mean by international students is
that our universities target various markets
internationally.
That means they are always out there.
Some already have a base out there.
And when they are doing that, this allows us to
have a framework to work with them when they travel
to use that to then engage widely with business
partners, civic partners, et cetera.
So, it's not about us necessarily or
specifically going out to grow student numbers,
but to work with universities in the markets,
they are where it aligns with the market assessments
we've done to make sure we're able to grow the economy.
Thank you so much.
Okey -dokey, no more questions.
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 0:49:07
So, can the Combined Authority approve the draught
of West Yorkshire International Strategy for Economic Growth
as the guiding framework for international engagement?
Endorse the proposed framework,
including the six strategic priorities
and associated enablers and to note the introduction of market categorisation to guide targeted
international activity and resource allocation.
Okeydoke.
Those in favour, please raise your hand.
Thank you.
Those against.
Any abstentions?
Thank you.
The recommendations have been carried.
Moving on to the substantive project approvals.

11 Project Approvals

11 a) Project Approvals – Investment Priority 1 – Good Jobs and Resilient Businesses (Including Entrepreneurialism)

Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 0:49:43
Item 11a. As I said earlier, this is a significant number of projects worth $230 million. In
front of us, we'll need to go through each individually before we reach our meeting breakpoint
where there will be sandwiches. The first is looking for two approvals from our economy
team relating to our local innovation partnership fund and tech West Yorkshire. Could I come
to yourself, Felix, to talk us through the two schemes for consideration?
Thank you, Mayor.
First one is on innovation.
Felix Kumi-Ampofo, Director (West Yorkshire Combined Authority) - 0:50:19
This board has already considered papers earlier on which enabled us to set up our innovation
board on the back of what we said in the local growth plan.
We've come back to you again about the terms of reference and membership for that board
and the delegations needed for the board to be able to function.
This is a specific recommendation or approval we are seeking from you because when it comes
the Local Innovation Partnership Fund.
The government is rooted funding through the UK Research and
Innovation Institute, UKRI.
So that funding does not sit with us.
We are earmarked about 30 million pounds.
To be able to develop the work needed to access that funding,
we have been given access to 300 ,000 pounds,
which will be the cost of all the development
and delivery work.
And this is seeking your approval for us to accept
that money so we can do the development work needed to then be able to access that £30
million through the Local Innovation Partnership Fund.
So that is the first one that we are seeking from you, £300 ,000.
The next one is on tech, West Yorkshire.
So in the local growth plan, you agreed for us to have specific focus on the key sectors
of growth in West Yorkshire.
One of them is digital and tech.
and West Yorkshire is host to a number of thousands of digital and tech businesses
turning over several billions a year and employing several thousand people.
What we don't have is a means to develop and grow that ecosystem,
to give them a network and a platform for their skills, development, for access to finance,
for events and networking and for the growth needed
when these businesses need to come together
to work together, and especially in tech,
a lot of the work is done through the networks
that they've got.
Other areas have a platform of this nature.
This allows us to catch up.
We are proposing to work with the Leeds Digital Festival
company, which is, as the name suggests,
the name behind the Leeds Digital Festival,
which is a nationally, even internationally significant
festival in digital and tech.
and to work with them in the open source platform they've got to develop Tech West Yorkshire,
which then allows us to work on a West Yorkshire footprint and to support all the businesses
in West Yorkshire and those who are looking to start up here to ensure they have the platform,
the framework, the network, the infrastructure for them to grow. So that is what these first
two approvals are seeking. Thank you.
Thank you so much Felix and it's also just to say that Leeds Digital Festival is so admired
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 0:53:04
across internationally and nationally but this does not mean that funding is only going
to go to Leeds. This is about taking that excellence across the whole of West Yorkshire
because we know we've got clusters of tech and innovation across the whole region. It
They could just give it to me directly and I would handle it,
rather than having to go to an outside arms length
organisation.
But there we are on the devolution journey.
Any comments?
No, thank you all so much.
Okey doke.
So can we approve the progression
of the Local Innovation Partnership Fund
through decision point one, strategic assessment,
and allow work to begin on delivery subject to UKRI,
confirming development funding, approve up to 300 ,000 pounds
of CA funding to support the application programme coordination role and require future approvals
to follow the assurance pathway and remain within agreed tolerances.
All in favour, please raise your hand.
Any against?
Any abstentions?
Thank you.
The recommendations are carried.
Tech West Yorkshire.
Approve the progression of Tech West Yorkshire through decision points 2 to 4, the business
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 0:54:22
justification and allow delivery activity to begin subject conditions, approve 725 ,000
CA funding for the scheme, enter a funding agreement with Leeds Digital Festival Limited
for up to £655 ,000, require future approvals to follow the assurance pathway and remain
within agreed tolerances and note that the total scheme costs includes £20 ,000 for risk,
contingency and £50 ,000 for monitoring and evaluation.
All those in favour, please raise your hand.
Thank you.
Any against?
Any abstentions?
Thank you.
The recommendations have been carried.

11 b) Project Approvals – Investment Priority 2 – Skills and Training for People

Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 0:55:07
Moving on to 11B, Investment Priority 2, Skills and Training.
This covers the release of additional funding for employment to West Yorkshire and forms
part of our plan to deliver the region of learning and creativity which we've discussed
earlier. Felix, could you outline the scheme for consideration?
Felix Kumi-Ampofo, Director (West Yorkshire Combined Authority) - 0:55:28
Thank you very much. In West Yorkshire we've got employment West Yorkshire which is a core
infrastructure for supporting our residents into work. Currently we have about 1 point,
almost 1 .2 million people in employment in the labour market in West Yorkshire. Our unemployment
rate is above average, our Clemens counter rate is above average.
On top of that, we have about 350 ,000 residents who are economically inactive, about 110 ,000
of those are inactive because of health, and of those, 350 ,000, about 90 ,000 actually say
they want to work but are currently unable to do so.
This infrastructure allows us to work with partners in the third sector, DWP and the
Centre to ensure that residents have all the support they need to be able to access
Employment wherever they are on on their journey it currently costs
Us about seven million pounds to fund this infrastructure
We've been to you already for approval for about half of that money
Which has come through a different source called the trailblazer
This allows us through integrity settlement to make up the difference for this year to ensure this is this
this infrastructure is able to continue.
There is work underway with all our partners to ensure we can put this on a sustainable
footing and to ensure we are working with DWP across the most strategic elements of
this for subsequent years.
I hope that is helpful.
Thank you.
Thank you so much and particularly the focus on digital skills I think is vital because
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 0:57:11
there are far too many people that can't even attach, you know, and have an attachment to
an email and the world of work is such that those skills are vital going forward.
Okay, any comments?
No, thank you all so much.
Can we approve the change to extend Employment West Yorkshire delivery to March 2027, approve
additional CA funding of up to £7 ,311 ,426 for the programme, approve entering into new
or amended funding agreements with the five way Yorkshire councils for up to £7 ,311 ,426,
approve that future employment where Yorkshire decisions follow the assurance pathway and
tolerances.
All those in favour please raise your hand.
Thank you.
Any against?
Any abstentions?
Thank you. The recommendations have been carried. You have to get in quick, you snooze, you lose.

11 c) Project Approvals – Investment Priority 3 – Creating Great Places and Accelerated Infrastructure

Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 0:58:07
So please do indicate if you are not going with the majority. So 11C, project approvals,
investment, priority three, creating great places and accelerated infrastructure. This report covers
one of our enterprise zone schemes, a length -weight enterprise zone and the proposed next steps for
the British Library North.
Now, in respect of the British Library Project,
the proposals include the transfer of funding
to Holmes England to facilitate the acquisition of the Temple
Works site and essential works ahead of the next stages
of the project.
These proposals have been discussed
with the British Library, and their board
has provided initial comments.
And to note, this has resulted in a small change
to the recommendation.
Temple Works is an incredible building, we all want to make sure it is brought forward
for future use.
There is still a lot of work to do before we can get there, but this proposal is part
of the plan to make that happen.
Could I invite Ruth Davidson to take us through the comments from the British Library, please?
Thank you, Mayor.
So today we have two key recommendations for the board to consider.
Ruth Davison (Director) West Yorkshire Combined Authority - 0:59:23
significant regeneration projects for West Yorkshire.
I will firstly just start quickly
with the Langthwaite proposal,
which looks at the Langthwaite Business Park,
which is actually a designated enterprise zone
within our region's programme.
The board will note that phase one of the programme
was complete in 2025,
and the work delivered a remediated site
with some delivery platforms for commercial floor space.
This approval today is phase two which recommends development funding of four million three hundred and seventy thousand
To progress the scheme to full business case. This project is aiming to deliver up to
27 ,000 metres square of commercial floor space or in current plans nine units
There are various options available to the combined authority with regards to the delivery model
and these have been appraised and the proposal is to directly deliver this project as an
investment strategy.
This approach best creates the balance between the risk and reward of this project providing
the greatest potential of financial return to the combined authority but also taking
into account the fact that previous investment has actually de -risked the project in terms
of the development.
Moving on to the second project today, we have the British Library.
The command authority is aware that this is such a significant step for West Yorkshire
to bring Temple Works, which is an iconic heritage building, into public ownership and
that will be public ownership through Homes England and to progress the ambition of establishing
a British Library north in Leeds.
There is a strategic partnership that is committed to this project and is driving delivery and
that partnership includes Leeds City Council, British Library, Homes England and various
government departments. All of these partners are excited and welcome the
progress that will be made today if these recommendations can be agreed. This
however is a situation that is involving live negotiation and as such as the MER
has indicated there is a smaller amendment required and that amendment is
required to recommendation 4 .19 .4. The original language requested the transfer
of £24 ,071 ,417 and the amendment requested is to insert the words up to before the figure
so that the amendment will, sorry the recommendation will read subject to successful conclusion
of three above the command authority enters into associated legal agreements with Home
for the transfer and accountability of up to £24 ,071 ,417 for British Library North
in Brackett's Temple Works and delegates to the Chief Executive in consultation with the
murder finalisation of the terms of the agreement.
This amendment is recommended to the Board today and it's necessary to support the next
steps within the negotiation the Strategic Partnership has to take forward.
The strategic partners will continue to negotiate the changes to the Heritage Fund conditions
after this approval today and one element of that is that the partners will need to
meet and negotiate on the British Library's request, requested project costs.
British Library have indicated that they will be up to 5 million.
The strategic partners will also, through that negotiation, continue to consider the
mechanism and gateways for implementation of the recommendation if agreed today so that
agreement is reached to align the assurance that all partners need to move forward towards
the acquisition of Temple Works.
So subject to the recommendation, sorry the amendment that I have just set out, the rest
of the paper and the recommendation remains as drafted and are advanced for approval.
Thank you so much, I'll just come to Nicky in case there's any legal additions that we
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 1:03:19
need in order to approve this.
Thank you chair.
Ruth Davison (Director) West Yorkshire Combined Authority - 1:03:22
Just in relation to the points that have been raised by Ruth, given that we've got published
Nikki Deol Assistant Director Legal, Governance & Compliance - 1:03:26
recommendations at paragraph 4 .19 in your papers, it would be appropriate for members
to move and second that amendment before you get a substantive vote.
Okay so let's deal with Langford first and then go to the British Library.
Ruth Davison (Director) West Yorkshire Combined Authority - 1:03:42
So Langford Enterprise Zone, are we minded to approve Langford EZ phase 2 scheme to progress
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 1:03:48
through to decision point three, approved 4 ,370 ,000 development funding for progression
to full business case and approved that future Langfeuille EZ decisions follow the assurance
pathway.
All happy to approve?
Raise your hand.
Any abstentions?
Any I just thought I would see who was awake.
Anybody who is against?
Thank you.
then the recommendation is approved. So moving on to the British Library North
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 1:04:23
Temple Works, so are we happy to delegate the acceptance? No I'm so
sorry we need to go to the to move the change in the recommendation. So Nicky.
Ruth Davison (Director) West Yorkshire Combined Authority - 1:04:35
Based on my previous advice if a member would like to move the amendment subject
to your approvals and someone second it and vote that slight adjustment and then
go to the vote for the substantive recommendations before you.
Thank you.
Who can thank you?
Councillor Lewis moving.
Any seconder?
Thank you.
Councillor Lamb.
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 1:04:50
Okay.
Thank you very much.
Ruth Davison (Director) West Yorkshire Combined Authority - 1:04:56
So delegate acceptance of £10 million of government funding to the chief executive
in consultation with myself.
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 1:05:02
Approve entering legal agreements with Homes England for the £10 million transfer.
delegate negotiation of amended Heritage Fund conditions to the Chief Executive
in consultation with the Mayor and approve subject to the above entering
legal agreements with Holmes England for up to £24 ,071 ,417
Heritage Fund transfer. All those in favour please raise your hand.
Thank you all those against, all those abstaining, thank you so much.
Recommendation has been carried and I want to personally thank the British Library and DCMS
for the work that they've been doing to get us to this point.
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 1:05:46
The British Library is iconic and so is the Temple Works and we want this
to continue the relationship here in Leeds.
So thank you so much.

11 d) Project Approvals – Investment Priority 4 – Tackling the Climate Emergency and Environmental Sustainability

Moving on to project approval 11D, tackling the climate emergency and environmental sustainability.
This covers two natural flood management schemes, one in Leeds, one in Bradford.
Ruth, would you mind talking this through?
And if either Councillor Lewis or Councillor Hinchliffe want to speak, please do just come
in once Ruth has laid it out.
Thank you.
So again, two project approvals with recommendations
for the board to consider today.
Ruth Davison (Director) West Yorkshire Combined Authority - 1:06:29
So Thornnebeck flood alleviation scheme.
So this scheme is part of the commander authorities
natural flood management programme,
and it will deliver several measures to reduce flood risk
and enhance climate resilience at Thornnebeck in Leeds.
This is a full business case approval to move the scheme
into delivery through the release of 1 ,510 ,133
pounds the scheme aims to deliver increased protection from a 1 in 20 year flooding event to a 1 in 50 year flooding event
For thorn a village and this will mean better protection for 15 residential properties and the wider village
through a range of natural flood management measures
the second
Scheme is pittibec wetlands restoration again part of the same national natural flood management
programme and it will deliver a number of cost -deflective flood management measures in the wetlands
catchment area in Bradford.
This again is a full business case to move the scheme into delivery through the release
of £172 ,600.
The scheme aims to increase wetlands water storage capacity which will contribute to
reducing flood risk and provide community resilience.
The measures will provide additional support for local residential and commercial properties
downstream from that particular site.
Thank you so much and tackling the climate emergency is so vital to our region and flood
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 1:08:02
management impacts on people's lives in a way that's very profound.
Anybody would like to speak to these projects?
Yes, Councillor Paterson.
Cllr Scott Patient (Calderdale Council) - 1:08:15
Thank you, Mayor. Even though these projects are not in my borough, I'd just like to say how refreshing and good it is that actually the Combined Authority is investing in natural flood management.
It's low cost, it includes communities, it works with nature and actually is a key part on flood resilience across the Combined Authority. So really great to see this. Thank you.
Any other comments?
Thank you.
Okie dokie.
So, Thornebeck flood alleviation scheme.
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 1:08:42
Are we happy to approve the Thornebeck scheme to progress through decision points 2 to 4
and begin delivery?
Approve £1 ,510 ,133 of CA funding.
Approve entering a funding agreement with Leeds City Council for up to £1 ,510 ,133.
pounds and approve that future Thorner Beck decisions follow the assurance
pathway. Can you raise your hand if you're in favour? And those against, any
abstentions? Thank you so much the recommendations have been carried.
Pity Beck wetlands restoration. Can we approve the Pity Beck scheme to
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 1:09:19
progress through decision points 2 to 4 and begin delivery? Approve CA funding
of up to $145 ,000, approve entering an addendum to the funding agreement with Air Rivers Trust
for up to $172 ,600, approve that future Pety Beck decisions follow the assurance pathway.
All those in favour, please raise your hand.
Thank you.
Those against.
Any abstentions.
Thank you.
The recommendations have been carried.
Moving on to 11E, sustainable, integrated, inclusive and affordable transport.

11 e) Project Approvals – Investment Priority 5 – Delivering Sustainable, Integrated, Inclusive and Affordable Transport

Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 1:09:54
This is a set of approvals about our ambitious transport plans.
There's a significant number that we'll have to walk through,
so it's going to be the Simon Pope show, I'm afraid.
So, first, let's – the first up is our Rail, Park and Ride programme
at Morthorpe Rail Station.
Simon, if you could take us through the recommendations, please.
Thank you, Matt.
So, this scheme is part of the wider programme of car park extensions
stations at West Yorkshire Railway stations, the other 14 locations for which have already
been delivered. The scheme will double the amount of car parking at Morthorpe station
to 88 spaces, enabling more people to travel by train by increasing capacity of the car
park. Regulatory cheques since full approval delayed planned delivery in 2024, resulting
in the need to re -tender the works and a subsequent prolonged period of value engineering when
intended prices exceeded the original funding envelope.
The final cost that has now been reached still exceeds the original funding granted to Morethorpe
by up to £400 ,000.
However, this is felt to represent the lowest cost that can now be achieved to deliver the
works, given the two years that have since elapsed since we originally intended to start
on site.
So, we're therefore seeking a delegation to the Chief Executive in consultation with the
to approve a future change request to transfer unspent risk and contingency
budgets from the Normanton car park scheme that's been fully completed last
Simon Pope, Director (West Yorkshire Combined Authority) - 1:11:22
year in order to plug the funding gap and an extension of time for delivery.
This will enable the additional cost for more thought to be funded in full under
the program's existing approvals avoiding any additional funding ask from
the wider capital programme. Thank you so much. Any comments on this project? No?
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 1:11:41
Thank you. Can we move to approval to delegate the approval of the Morthorp
Rail Park and Ride change request including funding reallocation from the
Normanton scheme that is complete and time scale extension to the chief
executive in consultation with myself. Please can we vote on the
recommendations. All those in favour please raise your hand. All those against.
any abstentions? Thank you so much. That scheme is approved. We now move on to the
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 1:12:12
Ellen station. If I may say I also know Councillor David Veitch is here with us,
a campaigner for the Ellen station for many years, so thank you for joining us
today. So the Ellen station approval is an essential scheme in Colterdale. We'll
unlock the plans for the new rail station at Ellen. Simon can you talk us
Simon Pope, Director (West Yorkshire Combined Authority) - 1:12:36
through the plans please. Thank you Matt. So the scheme will deliver a new railway
station in Elland and an accompanying access package to provide pedestrian and
cycle access to the station from the town centre involving the delivery of
two new bridges over the river and the canal. The access package is ready to
enter delivery now for which 22 .7 million pounds is recommended for
release. Delivery of the rail station is being transferred to network rail to
given their greater experience in managing rail industry risks and
emulating the approach now being taken on other new stations within our rail
programme. Release of a further £690 ,000 is recommended to support this transition
to network rail and to fund some early highway works in readiness for the rail
station entering delivery later this year. Delegation to the Chief Executive
in consultation with the Mayor is recommended for approval of the station
element once final costs and programme have been compiled by Network Rail.
Potential funding for the rail station is expected to be £49 million.
This is significantly greater than the original costs estimated at outline approval in 2019,
which whilst following industry guidance at the time, are since felt to have lacked accuracy
due to the absence of contractor involvement.
The delivery cost and programme now adopts a more cautious approach by building in additional
track possessions than may be required in order to avoid any impacts on cost if one
or more possessions are lost due to external factors.
Further development of the project and its significant inflationary pressure in response
to intervening global events have also contributed to the increased costs.
There remains a flagship scheme for Calderdale that has been many years in the making, as
you say, better connecting Ellen both regionally and nationally, stimulating employment growth
in the town and improving access to a wider labour market.
The higher costs can be met from the existing transport capital programme without compromising
the ability to deliver other projects since no other unfunded schemes are at a similar
state of delivery readiness as we enter the last 12 months of the current funding period.
And so subject to approval, works will start on site in June this year with a station expected
to enter into service in 2029.
Thank you.
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 1:14:49
And as we've said as a combined authority, if you're ready to go, we will back you.
and finally this this scheme is it Councillor patient is it 14 years you've
Cllr Scott Patient (Calderdale Council) - 1:15:01
been waiting for this Wow 20 years well let's get things done then thank you so
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 1:15:03
much any comments on this Ellen scheme yes
Councillor patient thank you thank you and thank you for the papers as we said
Cllr Scott Patient (Calderdale Council) - 1:15:09
20 years in the making and really a monumental moment for Ellen our only
market sound is currently not served by a railway station so it's really going
unlock economic growth and mobility for people not just coming in to see
everything that Ellen's got to offer but you know the people of Lowfields our
largest business park as well so thank you very much it's honestly a
significant moment for us one that we've all been crossing our fingers for so
really pleased we got there in the end thank you.
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 1:15:39
It's a team effort but devolution is the key to unlocking a lot of these projects
So thank you so much for that
Okie -dokie, can we?
approve
The Ellen to access package to progress through decision point for and enter delivery and allow Ellen rail station to continue
developing its full business case
approve
22 million
672 thousand three hundred and twelve pounds for the access package and
£690 ,000 development funding for the rail station, enter an addendum to the funding
agreement with Cogdell Council for up to £22 ,672 ,312, enter a service agreement with Network Rail
with finalisation delegated to the Chief Executive in consultation with myself, require future
approvals to follow the assurance pathway and remain within agreed tolerances.
All those in favour, please raise your hand.
Thank you. Any against? Any abstentions? Thank you so much. That is now approved, Councillor.
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 1:16:45
Many people in Elland will be hopefully dancing a jig of joy because finally they've got their
station. Okey dokey, moving on to the White Rose Rail
station. A changed request to begin the works for the highways and junction works to get
started back on site finally. Simon, can you provide us with the details?
Thank you.
So members will be aware of other recent approvals made by the combined authority in relation
to White Rose Rail Station.
Simon Pope, Director (West Yorkshire Combined Authority) - 1:17:10
These have sought to address legacy issues and have enabled the instruction of Network
Rail to review works to date with the intention of preparing a costed plan for remobilization
of works on the rail estate.
This current approval seeks to release a further £3 .6 million to deliver highway access and
works associated with the new station that will be delivered by Leeds City Council on our behalf.
Separating these works out will enable their completion prior to remobilising works on the station itself,
reducing the risk of conflicts and delays and enabling progress to be made on site over the summer.
Future approval for the main works will be brought to the Command Authority once the costs and programme are determined by Network Rail.
Thank you and hopefully the people of Cottingley are also pleased to see this in the papers.
Any comments?
Councillor Lamb.
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 1:17:59
Yes, thank you, Mayor.
Congratulations to Alland on the station.
Cllr Alan Lamb Leeds City Council - 1:18:04
I think there's a worry that this could be getting on for 20 years, the way it's going.
So I will be supporting the recommendations because we've got to move this forward.
But it's still a concerning position to us.
It's the second meeting in a row where confirming more money having already
Reached the funding envelope with the station 70 % complete
And we still don't know what the total cost is going to be and when the station's going to be operational
So can we get some updates?
we've got to get it done because it's
It's a white elephant, but we said last time it can't there can't be a blank cheque
it almost feels like there is at the moment and we just really as soon as
possible need some certainty on dates and costs. Yes we need to get this work
done and get it moving forward but we also need to know when it's going to end
and how much it's going to cost. Thank you so much as we said we wouldn't do it
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 1:19:04
again this way the way we've done it. Simon just on dates. Yes I understand
Councillor LAMB, your concerns. We don't want to present anything to the command
Simon Pope, Director (West Yorkshire Combined Authority) - 1:19:13
authority until we've got confidence about the costs and programme involved. We are now
at that stage with the Highway Works and therefore we are recommending we proceed with those
now. It is going to take us a little bit longer because we're relying on information from
Network Rail to provide the same level of assurity around the rail facing components.
As things stand, Network Rail have advised us that we'll be in a position to present
those costs to the combined authority later in the summer and that's when we'll be bringing
them forward.
Thank you so much. We need their expertise to understand after the standstill what needs
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 1:19:43
to be done and that obviously comes with numbers attached which we don't currently know as
yet but your point is right, this needs to be finished and we need to get to the end
of this drama. The people of Cottingley, Morley and actually more widely across West Yorkshire
need this station delivered. Okay, thank you so much. So can we approve the change
request and release three million five hundred and eighty eight thousand three
hundred and five pounds additional funding for the required highway and
junction works enter a funding agreement with Leeds City Council for up to three
million five hundred and fifty five thousand eight hundred and five pounds
require future approvals to follow the assurance pathway and remain within
tolerances and also note that 717 ,661 pounds is allocated for risk and
contingency. Just double checking that those numbers are correct, that they
don't have to be the same. That's correct. Can I just cheque with
Simon that in my approvals for the White Rose Rail Station the number of one and
the number of two are slightly different.
Is that correct?
Which one?
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 1:21:12
Okie dokie.
I will read that again.
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 1:21:24
Approve the change request and release £3 ,588 ,305 of additional funding for the required highway
and junction works.
Enter a funding agreement with Leeds City Council for up to £3 ,588 ,305 and require
future approvals to follow the assurance pathway and remain within tolerances and note that
717 ,661 is allocated for risk and contingency. Are we happy to approve?
Those hands up. Thank you. And any abstentions? Anyone not happy to approve?
Okay, thank you. Did you need to come in there, Nicky?
No, you clarified all of that position in the thread and the officer clarified that
matter as well, so that will be on the record.
Nikki Deol Assistant Director Legal, Governance & Compliance - 1:22:16
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 1:22:17
Very good. These are big papers and mistakes do happen, but thank you for the clarity.
Okeydokey, Huddersfield Bus Station. A key part of our new Weaver network and a vital
piece of infrastructure in the heart of Kirklees. Simon, could you go through the details, please?
Thank you, Mayor. So this scheme involves refurbishment of the bus station itself, which
is being led by the Combined Authority, and delivery of a new canopy and public realm
Simon Pope, Director (West Yorkshire Combined Authority) - 1:22:40
adjacent to the bus station which is being led by Kirklees Council.
Huddersfield is the largest bus station in West Yorkshire in terms of passenger movements,
acting as a key front door onto the future franchise bus network and will be one of the
first to be delivered in the new Weaver Network brand.
The Combined Authority have approved a change request in September 2025 to release funding
for early enabling works in order to shorten and de -risk later delivery of the main project.
We are now recommending full approval of the main project, having finalised designs involving
combined authority funding of £26 million towards the total £28 million overall cost
of the project.
The full approval now being recommended is £1 million greater than was anticipated when
the revised costs of the scheme were last socialised with the combined authority in
September.
This is primarily due to increased work to mitigate liabilities associated with railway
tunnels beneath the bus station, delays to the refurbishment of the multi -storey car
park above impacting on the construction management plan, and an opportunity to reduce future
revenue costs under franchising by accommodating the operator crew room for Huddersfield in
the bus station rather than leasing the current facility elsewhere from a third party, saving
around £700 ,000 in lease costs over a 20 -year period.
The final costs have been benchmarked against other bus station improvement schemes in West
Yorkshire and still represent the lowest cost per stand and per square metre
relative to other schemes delivered and on site. Subject to approval works will
start on site in May of this year with forecast completion due in April 2028.
Thank you and it's really important for our staff and drivers that they have
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 1:24:22
good quality crew rooms that are centrally located and we were
particularly talking to female boss drivers you'll remember about access to
facilities and the fact that they are being brought closer into the bus
station is a good thing. Any comments on Huddersfield bus station? I'm very
excited about this, it's going to be a hundred percent, it's my understanding is
Simon Pope, Director (West Yorkshire Combined Authority) - 1:24:51
electric? The depot in Huddersfield is intended to be electric, yes, the majority of which services will serve the bus station.
Exactly that, so it's not only going to look beautiful and hopefully have happy
crew but also have electric busses going through into the bus station. Great stuff
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 1:25:07
any comments? Okay so are we happy to approve the progression through
decision point four and the commencement of delivery and approve 20 million 990
pounds 812 pounds combined authority funding enter an addendum to the funding
agreement with Kirklees Council for up to £6 ,511 ,730 with £50 ,000
monitoring and evaluation delegated to the chief executive, require future
approvals to follow the assurance pathway and remain within tolerances.
Note that £2 ,524 ,351 is allocated for risk and
contingency. Those in favour please raise your hand. Those against and those
abstaining. Thank you, that is approved. Moving on to Dewsbury Town Centre. Now
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 1:25:58
Dewsbury we are making significant improvements about how you move around
the town in a more accessible way. Simon can you provide us with details please.
Thank you Matt. So the scheme involves improvements to walking and cycling
Simon Pope, Director (West Yorkshire Combined Authority) - 1:26:13
infrastructure and to public space, making it safer and more attractive to
travel around the town centre by bike and on foot. Measures include new foot
paths, crossings and safety improvements that will increase walking and cycling trips and
improve accessibility to the rail station and the new bus station that is currently
on site.
The total scheme cost is £15 .7 million, with £13 .7 million being provided by the Commide
Authority and £2 million being provided by Kirklees Council.
Final scheme costs reflect further design developments since outline approval, including
the introduction of anti -terrorism measures alongside more robust allowances for risk,
contingency and inflation.
£7 .5 million is recommended for release to commence delivery of the works being undertaken
by the Council directly.
£3 .9 million is then recommended for approval, subject to conditions for the works related
to the ring road, which will be tendered for subsequent delivery by a contractor.
Traditional value for money assessments often struggle to quantify all of the benefits associated
with this type of scheme.
However, there's a very strong strategic case for investment that will help Kirklees
Council deliver its wider regeneration plans for the town as part of the
Jewsby blueprint. So subject to approval works will start on site in April of
this year with forecast completion due for March 2027.
Thank you so much.
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 1:27:36
Okie dokie. Any comments? No? Thank you. Are we happy to approve the railway street
as the bridge Batty Street, Link Road, Bradford Road and South Street elements
to progress through decision point four and into delivery. Approve £7 ,554 ,549
combined authority funding for these elements. Enter an addendum to the Kirklees Council
funding agreement for up to £9 ,786 ,081. Require future approvals to follow the assurance pathway
and remain within tolerances. Note the £2 ,635 ,594 allocated for risk, contingency and inflation.
Approve the Aldums Road element to progress through decision point 4 and into delivery.
Approve £3 ,899 ,831 combined authority funding for Aldums Road and enter an addendum for
total scheme expenditure up to £13 ,685 ,912.
Can we please turn to voting on these recommendations?
Those in favour?
Thank you.
Against?
Abstentions?
Thank you.
That is approved.
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 1:29:03
I think I will move on to the shipping forecast after I have done lists like that.
Moving on to Dewsbury, Batley and Chidswell. Simon, can you give us details please?
Thank you, Mayor. So this scheme involves delivery of enhanced active travelling structure
Simon Pope, Director (West Yorkshire Combined Authority) - 1:29:17
along the route to better connect low -income communities with access to education and employment
opportunities. Since outline approval was granted in 2024, the section of the route
between Batley and Chidswell has encountered issues in design that will take longer to
and are expected to increase overall scheme costs due to the requirement to meet the latest
design standards and mitigate long -standing flooding issues.
As we're now entering the last 12 months of the current funding period, Kirklees Council
is therefore elected to phase the scheme in order to avoid delaying delivery and to keep
funding currently being requested within the original funding envelope.
The recommendation is therefore to approve the release of £7 .8 million for the delivery
of Phase 1 between Dewsbury and Batley, with Phase 2 between Batley and Chiswell paused,
pending consideration for future funding as part of the Future Transport Capital Programme.
Phase 1 will deliver the greater proportion of overall scheme benefits, helping contribute
towards increased walking and cycling, reducing congestion and improving access to the Batley
Railway Station. Subject to approval, works on Phase 1 will start on site in May of this
with forecasts completion due for March 2027.
Thank you and it's another project that has been very many years in the making so I'm
pleased that it's with us today.
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 1:30:33
Okie dokie, any comments?
All right, are we happy to approve phase one to progress through decision point four and
into delivery, approve £7 ,782 ,514 of combined authority funding, enter an addendum to the
funding agreement with Kirklees Council for up to £9 ,992 ,299, require future approvals
to follow the assurance pathway and remain within tolerances and to note £2 ,047 ,988
has been allocated for risk, contingency and inflation. Those in favour please raise your
Thank you. Those against and those abstaining, this project is approved.
Thank you. Moving on to Wakefield Castleford Growth Corridor.
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 1:31:29
This is investment with the Wealden Road bridge as part of the Castleford Growth Corridor.
Simon.
Simon Pope, Director (West Yorkshire Combined Authority) - 1:31:42
Thank you, Mayor. So this is a £15 .6 million scheme that aims to improve access to the
and Airedale, through the delivery of widened footways, new and enhanced crossing arrangements,
segregated cycle tracks and a new pedestrian and cycle bridge over the railway line.
The change request approved by the Command Authority in 2023 revised the scope of the
scheme towards outcomes that seek to increase walking and cycling trips along the corridor,
reduce accidents and enhance the deliverability of new housing and employment sites within
walking and cycling distance of the town centre.
Since the change request was approved, further design development with the support of the
contractor has revised the cost of the bridge component that was previously only at an early
stage of development.
Full approval is now sought for release of £11 .9 million of funding to enable delivery
of the combined scheme.
In addition to combined authority funding, £220 ,000 contribution has been secured from
Homes England.
Subject to approval, works will start on site in November of this year with forecast completion
in December 2027. Thank you. Councillor Morley. Thank you Mayor.
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 1:32:51
This is really welcome. It will really open up the Weldon Road area, an area where we
Cllr Matthew Morley (Wakefield Council) - 1:32:55
will see significant housing on the former Ixon site, but also connectivity from Fryston
Village and Airdale. It will build on the great success of the
Casselford -Watefield Greenway down by the river, but it's also part of the transformation
of the regeneration of Casselford. We're open to the river with other funding
From the town's fund even see James now over in Alton by water by takes on the building
Along the river there. So it really is a transformational
Fund that's coming through to Castleford. So this one element is such welcome and such anticipated. So
Good stuff. Yes, Councillor Lewis
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 1:33:28
Thank you. I think
Cllr James Lewis (Leeds City Council) - 1:33:33
As we always often emphasise spending in one council has impacts another in the Casper Wakefield
Greenway runs through part of my council ward and through part of the Rockwell ward as well and it has made a huge difference to
Sort of really getting people on to active transport
Cuff of the southeast corner of least Casper's the closest town centre and anything that opens up
Accessibility and makes it much easier for people to get there is only going to be a good thing
So I think it's really important. This is a project that's larger than the Wakefield district, but certainly coming over
into my ward on the other side of the river. Matthew is my next door neighbour for council wards.
We'll make a huge difference to how people get around in the area and hopefully alongside
bus franchising which make a big difference as we have the 61st worst out of 61 bus companies in the world
or in the country operating in our area at the moment. Again, having better walking and cycling routes
will also make it easier to get around without a car.
Thank you very much and great submissions there from both of you.
Okie doke, any further comments?
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 1:34:39
Righto, can we approve progression through to decision point four and commencement of
delivery of the Wilden Road bridge, Castleford growth corridor, approve £11 ,916 ,654 of combined
authority funding, enter an addendum to the Wakefield council funding agreement of up
£50 ,414 ,127 including £90 ,000 for monitoring and evaluation delegated to the Chief Executive
in consultation with myself, require future approvals to follow the assurance pathway
and remain within tolerances and note that £3 ,188 ,790 is allocated for risk contingency
and inflation. Can all those in favour please raise your
and thank you and against and any abstentions thank you that is passed.
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 1:35:36
Woodhouse Lane Gateway this is the Woodhouse Lane Gateway scheme Simon over to you.
Thank you Mayor so this is a £24 .7 million scheme to deliver improvements to bus cycling and walking
Simon Pope, Director (West Yorkshire Combined Authority) - 1:35:48
infrastructure along the innermost section of the A660 corridor in Leeds linking the various
educational and healthcare institutions in the innovation arc to the city centre.
Measures include new bus lanes and bus lane enforcement cameras, higher quality bus stops
and shelters to be rolled out in the new Weaver network branding, protected cycle routes,
wider footways and enhanced crossing arrangements. The scheme aims to increase the proportion
of trips undertaken by bus, walking and cycling, and reduce the number of killed and seriously
injured accidents by 60%. Costs have increased since OBC stage, reflective of lessons learned
on previous schemes, primarily due to a more robust construction programme that minimises
disruption during delivery and correction of a previous error in the original cost build -up
regarding preliminary costs and contractor overheads.
A funding contribution of £555 ,000 is to be secured by late City Council through Section
106 contributions. We are therefore recommending that the combined authority approves the release
of £21 .9 million for delivery of the scheme. Subject to approval works will start on site
in May of this year with forecast completion due in July 2027.
Thank you.
I think it's deeply unfair you get to round your numbers up and I have to be very accurate.
Okay.
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 1:37:01
Can we approve progression through decision point four and commencement of delivery?
Approve 21 ,864 ,886 combined authority funding, enter an addendum to the lead city council
of funding agreement of up to £24 ,164 ,886 including monitoring and evaluation and part
one claims delegated to the chief executive require future approvals to follow the assurance
pathway and remain within tolerances and to note £4 ,150 ,000 is allocated for risk and
contingency.
All those in favour please raise your hand.
All those against.
Any abstentions?
Thank you.
That is passed.
Beckett Street sustainable travel corridor, a huge improvement to the accessibility force
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 1:37:50
in James' hospital, which will also ensure there is room for potential mass transit routes
in this area in future. An important scheme not only for Leeds but the whole region. I
hope you would agree. Simon, do you want to talk us through it?
Simon Pope, Director (West Yorkshire Combined Authority) - 1:38:11
Thank you. This is a £31 million scheme to deliver improvements to bus, cycling and walking
infrastructure between Leeds city centre and St. James's Hospital. The scheme aims
to reduce bus journey times and improve reliability of the franchise network,
encourage a shift to walking, wheeling and cycling and to improve safety for
all road users. The scheme was originally developed as part of over programming to
support the Leeds Public Transport Investment Programme securing outline
approval in 2019. However, the delivery was subsequently deferred pending funding
availability. More recently, designs have had to be adapted to ensure passive
provision for mass transit introduction close to St. James's Hospital, where all
phase one route options currently converge. This redesign has ensured
abortive costs from future mass transit delivery will be avoided. Because of the
time that's elapsed since the original approval, costs have changed
significantly due in part to the further design development, but also reflected
of lessons learned in costing approach and significant inflationary impacts
following intervening global events. We're therefore recommending that the
combined authority approves the release of 30 .5 million pounds for delivery of
the scheme. The subject of approval works will start on site in August of this
year with forecast completion due in January 2028. Thank you. Anyone like to
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 1:39:30
Cllr James Lewis (Leeds City Council) - 1:39:31
make any comments? Yes, Councillor Lewis. Thank you Mayor and as you said you know
all schemes and leads have to be justified for impact on the wider
region. I'd say my comments on this one because it applies to the previous it
applies to the previous one as well so the University on the last one and St.
James's Hospital ones where we know people from around West Yorkshire around
the wider region are going to and this will really improve access to St.
James's Hospital so it's like I say it's a really big scheme building towards
having the tram going out to St. James's Hospital again a really important
length that will come forward but this is certainly a really good first step.
Super, any further comments? No, thank you so much.
Okie doke, can we approve progression through decision point four and
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 1:40:20
commencement of delivery, approve thirty million five hundred and nineteen
thousand pounds of combined authority funding, enter an addendum to the lead
City Council funding agreement of up to thirty million pounds five hundred and
£19 ,000 including £60 ,000 for monitoring and evaluation, require future approvals to
follow the assurance pathway and remain within tolerances and note that £6 ,430 ,000 is allocated
for risk and contingency. All those in favour please raise your hand. Thank you. Those against?
Any abstentions? Thank you. That is passed. Wakefield Road, sustainable travel corridor.
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 1:40:58
Simon. Thank you Matt. So this is a 23 .8 million pound scheme to deliver
Simon Pope, Director (West Yorkshire Combined Authority) - 1:41:04
improvements to bus cycling and walking infrastructure along the two kilometre
stretch of the A650 in Bradford. The scheme includes introduction of new bus lanes,
bus stop upgrades and bus priority at junctions in order to reduce bus journey
times and improve reliability of the franchise bus network. It also includes a
new segregated cycle track, crossing improvements and side road treatments
to improve safety and increase levels of walking and cycling along the route.
Being an earlier stage of development, with delivery not expected until 2027, we are recommending
that the combined authority grants outline approval for the scheme and releases £1 .3
million for its further development to FBC, with future approvals in line with the assurance
pathway in the report.
Since future delivery is ultimately expected to draw from our Transport for City Regions
funding under the integrated settlement, this scheme will form part of our future transport
capital programme that is currently in development and will be agreed with the combined authority
later this year.
Given the scheme's strong alignment to integrated settlement and local transport plan target
outcomes, we are recommending further development of the scheme is progressed now in advance
of that future capital programme being finalised.
This will contribute towards early delivery of schemes from the beginning of the next
spending period, reducing the risks seen historically from a backloaded programme.
Thank you so much. Any comments on Wakefield Road? Yes, Councillor Hinchliffe.
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 1:42:27
Cllr James Lewis (Leeds City Council) - 1:42:28
It's just really pleased to see this moving forward and obviously previously in the
meeting we passed a local transport plan. This is exactly the kind of actions we
Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe (Bradford Council) - 1:42:36
all need to do to make sure busses can travel really well around the district
in good time and that increases the patronage which is of course what we all want.
So we really welcome this going forward, thank you.
Thank you, Ben.
Thank you, Jane.
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 1:42:47
It might have been my mishearing, but can you just clarify the total cost of the scheme for the – thanks.
Yes, it's a 23 .8 million pound scheme.
Ben Still, Chief Executive (West Yorkshire Combined Authority) - 1:42:57
Simon Pope, Director (West Yorkshire Combined Authority) - 1:42:58
Thank you so much. Any further comments?
No, thank you. Can we approve progression through decision point three and advancement for business case development,
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 1:43:08
approved £1 ,286 ,827 additional funding development, a total of £4 ,594 ,955, enter an addendum to
the funding agreement with Bradford Council for up to £4 ,594 ,955 and require future approvals
to follow the assurance pathway and remain within tolerances.
note potential total scheme cost of £23 ,750 ,942.
All those in favour, please raise your hand.
All those against. Any abstentions? Thank you. Approved.
Active Travel Fund Tranche 3, the A660 Otley Road. Simon.
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 1:43:52
Thank you, so this is a phased scheme, part of which is currently on site,
Simon Pope, Director (West Yorkshire Combined Authority) - 1:44:00
providing enhanced walking and cycling infrastructure
between Headingley and the University of Leeds,
where the scheme then connects
to the Woodhouse Lane Gateway
that was the subject of one of the earlier approvals.
This is the busiest cycling corridor in the city,
and the scheme aims to further increase cycle use
whilst tackling safety concerns
that contribute to the high number of collisions
involving cyclists.
Phase one has been completed on site,
with phase two due to complete in April.
Cost escalation during delivery
means the full scope of phase 3 is now no longer deliverable within the
original funding envelope. This is primarily due to deficiencies in the
original costing and procurement approach that date back to 2023 as well
as programme delays associated with delivery of phase 1. Works on phase 2
have been progressed to avoid further delays to delivery whilst Leeds City
Council reviewed options for the delivery of phase 3 including potential
curtailment of the scheme pending the availability of future funding.
Whilst containment has been considered, this would leave a gap in the otherwise continuous
segregated cycle route between the city centre and Headingley that would be to the detriment
of targeted outcomes.
As we are entering the last 12 months of the current funding period, a review has been
undertaken to determine which schemes afford the greatest opportunity to ensure time -critical
funding is committed and outcomes maximised in order to reduce the risk of clawback by
Since only a very limited number of projects are at an equivalent shovel ready stage of
development and other less mature projects will be delivered as part of the future Transport
Capital Programme that's currently in development, the opportunity cost from increasing current
funding towards the delivery of Phase 3 is felt to be limited in this instance.
We're therefore recommending that the combined authority increases funding by £6 million,
taking the total scheme cost to £17 million.
This will ensure the full scheme is delivered, outcomes under the integrated settlement are
maximised and the risk of potential funding claw back is avoided.
Subject to the command authorities approval, works for phase 3 will start on site in May
this year with forecast completion due in February 2027.
Thank you.
The last thing we want to do is give any money back to government.
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 1:46:12
And also when you talk about cycling across West Yorkshire, I think the benchmark is would
you allow your seven -year -old to cycle on that road and those are really busy roads
and I think segregation gives you that confidence. Any comments? No, thank you. Okeydoke, are
we happy to approve the change request raising combined authority funding by £5 ,960 ,094,
approve the revised scope and reduced outputs, extend delivery timescale to the 28th of February
Enter an addendum to the Leeds City Council funding agreement for up to £16 ,435 ,94 including
£50 ,000 for monitoring and evaluation.
Require future approvals to follow the assurance pathway and remain within tolerances and note
that £1 ,354 ,482 is allocated for risk and contingency.
Those in favour please raise your hand.
Those in favour, those against? Those abstentions? Thank you, one abstention.
OK, Active Travel Fund, Tranche 4, Armley, Town Street.
OK, over to you Simon.
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 1:47:27
Simon Pope, Director (West Yorkshire Combined Authority) - 1:47:29
Thank you, Mayor. This is a £4 .5 million scheme to deliver a package of bus, cycling
and walking improvements along Armley Town Street in Leeds, aiming to increase walking
and cycling trips, reduce peak bus journey times and reduce killed and seriously injured
accidents along the route.
Measures include wider footways, new and upgraded crossings,
a segregated cycleway, mobile philtres,
and a new 20 mile an hour speed limit.
The schemes evolved since approval of the original concept
as part of the wider programme business case in 2023.
And whilst the total cost is now greater
than envisaged at that time,
sufficient budget exists within the active travel
fund programme and a 75 ,000 pound contribution is provided
from Leeds City Council's local centres programme.
We are therefore recommending the Combined Authority approve release of £4 million for
scheme delivery.
Subject to approval, works will start on site in May of this year with forecast completion
due in March 2027.
Thank you.
Any comments?
No, thank you.
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 1:48:26
Are we happy to approve progression through Decision Point 4 and commencement of delivery?
Approve £4 ,049 ,366 Combined Authority funding.
enter a funding agreement with Leeds City Council for up to £4 ,049 ,366 including £50 ,000
for monitoring and evaluation.
Require future approvals to follow the assurance pathway and remain within tolerances and note
that £643 ,351 is allocated for risk and contingency.
All in favour please raise your hand.
Thank you all those against.
Any abstentions?
Thank you that is approved.
Highways Asset Management and Off -road Cycling and Walking in Calderdale, Unplanned Maintenance
Fund.
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 1:49:12
This relates to the perennial issue across the country of potholes and highway maintenance
in Calderdale.
Simon, can you give us details?
Thank you, Mayor.
Simon Pope, Director (West Yorkshire Combined Authority) - 1:49:27
So this is the five -year programme that provides funding for routine highway maintenance across
the five district partners.
2026 -27 is the final year of the programme and the bulk of funding for that has already
been approved and allocated.
Work is underway to develop a similar programme funded under the Future Transport Capital
Programme from 2027 -28.
As part of that development work, all partners have agreed that it's desirable to establish
a separate unplanned maintenance part as part of the Future Programme to deal with force
majeure type events that periodically occur across the network.
Calderdale experienced one such event last winter as a result of extreme weather,
causing £3 .3 million worth of damage to a number of highway assets,
including collapsed retaining walls and landslips in a number of locations.
Calderdale has reprioritised £300 ,000 of its routine maintenance funding
to deal with the most urgent and safety -critical locations.
However, any further reprioritisation would significantly compromise
compromise routine maintenance activity planned for 2026 -27, leading to a backlog of inspections
and renewals and accelerating deterioration across the highway network.
Since it is the intention to create an unplanned maintenance pot to help all partners deal
with similar force majeure events as part of the future Transport Capital Programme from
2027 -28, we are recommending that funding be made available now from the current Transport
Capital Programme to support Colberdale with this current ask.
As I mentioned in relation to previous approvals, there is only a limited number of schemes
at a similar state of readiness to guarantee, spend and contribution towards targeted outcomes
as we enter the last 12 months of the current funding period and the first year of the accredited
settlement.
The opportunity crossed of granting that funding in this instance is therefore limited and
prolonged closure of key routes vital to the efficient operation of Coladdell's highway
network will be avoided.
We are therefore recommending that the combined authority approves the release of £3 million
of additional funding to Calderdale from the current Transport Capital Programme to enable
immediate repair of highway assets for completion by December.
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 1:51:36
Thank you Simon. Any comments? Okie dokie. Are we happy to approve the change request
and provide £3 ,067 ,142 of additional funding, enter a funding agreement with Calderdale
Council for up to £3 ,067 ,142 of funding, require future approvals to follow the assurance
pathway and remain within tolerances and note that £226 ,123 is allocated for risk and contingency.
All those in favour please raise your hand. Thank you. And those against. And any abstentions,
thank you, that is approved. Moving on to the York programme. Simon, could you give
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 1:52:11
details please. Thank you, Mayor. So the Command Authority has an established
Simon Pope, Director (West Yorkshire Combined Authority) - 1:52:17
partnership agreement with City of York Council that dates back over 10 years
which provides York with 85 million pounds of funding from the West
Yorkshire plus transport fund. Given the period of time that has elapsed since
York's original programme was defined, City of York Council periodically reviews its
transport fund allocation across its schemes in response to changing
priorities. The Council's Executive Board made a decision in July of last year to
reallocate 20 .5 million pounds of funding from the outer ring road scheme
that is currently in development towards the York Station Gateway scheme in order
to address cost overruns with the station gateway that is currently on
site. The legacy partnership agreement with City of York Council requires that
decision to be ratified by the combined authority although there is no change to
York's total transport fund allocation and any impact on schemes within West Yorkshire.
City of York Council has undertaken a detailed audit of what led to the cost escalations
on the Station Gateway Scheme, some of which date back to decisions taken at the time of
the original planning approval in 2021 and prior to the funding approval in 2023.
This has highlighted some key lessons around a lack of design maturity, legal consents,
the procurement strategy and the form of contract.
City of York Council has since made changes in personnel across its major projects team
and strengthened resources to reflect the requirements of managing such a complex programme
in a historically sensitive urban environment.
A separate decision was made by York's executive board to phase the outer ring road scheme
due to wider affordability constraints, enabling the release of funding to avoid curtailment
of the station gateway scheme which would otherwise prevent key outcomes from being
realised.
We are therefore recommending that the combined authority endorses the decisions taken by
City of York Council's Executive Board to release remaining funding originally allocated
to the station gateway, to reallocate transport funding between the two schemes and to release
further development funding for phase one of the outer ring road, noting that there
will be no impact to West Yorkshire's schemes from doing so.
In reaching this conclusion, we have consulted with the York and North Yorkshire Combined
Authority who are also providing a funding contribution to the station gateway scheme
and supporting City of York Council with potential future phases of the outer ring road.
We are continuing to explore options with government regarding potential future reassignment
of responsibilities for the York programme to the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority.
Although this transition is likely to take some time due to the statutory processes that
we need to follow and the limited book growing resource availability within the new combined
authority.
Thank you so much Simon and we're nearly there.
You're doing a brilliant job.
Keep going.
Okay, any comments?
Councillor Douglas.
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 1:55:03
Thank you Mayor and I'd like to thank you and your officers as well for working so constructively
Cllr Claire Douglas (York Council) - 1:55:11
both with Mayor David Scaith and also officers at City of York Council.
So it's a hugely important series of projects for us and we are in delivery so we really
appreciate the fact that you have agreed to be flexible on the allocation of that funding.
Thank you Councillor Douglas.
Okie doke, any further comments?
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 1:55:32
No.
Are we happy to approve the York Programme Review and revised funding allocations, approve
£11 ,301 ,427 for York Station gateway package 2. Approve subject conditions
£20 ,457 ,635 for delivery of packages 3 and 4. Approve £500 ,000 additional development funding
for York outer ring road phase 1a. Enter an addendum with City of York council for £11 ,301 ,427.
£7 and to subject conditions a funding agreement for twenty million four hundred fifty seven thousand six hundred thirty five pounds
for packages three and four enter a funding agreement with City of York Council for up to
fourteen million one hundred and seven thousand eight hundred and sixty nine pounds for development of
Why are our phase 1a and require future approvals to follow the assurance pathway and remain within?
Tolerances all those in favour, please raise your hand
those against any abstentions thank you that is passed one abstention from
councillor Holdsworth city region sustainable transport settlement
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 1:56:46
Simon Pope, Director (West Yorkshire Combined Authority) - 1:56:52
capacity fund over to you Simon thank you that last one so this is a revenue
funding stream that was established in 2022 to build capacity and capability
across all partners to support delivery of our transport priorities 21 .3 million
million has been approved previously by the combined authority to support activities including
development of the local transport plan, early development work to define future capital
schemes, strengthening resources across all partners and investing in the skills and capability
needed to deliver against our objectives, further detail of which is set out in the
report. Department of Transport has now confirmed
a further allocation of £10 .8 million of revenue funding will be made available in
both 2025 -26 and 2026 -27, equivalent to an uplifted £21 .5 million to the programme.
At the last Combined Authority meeting in January, approval was granted to increase
the transition budget for bus franchising by £13 million that will be taken from this
additional allocation.
Approval is now sought to accept the remaining funding and to extend timescales to the programme
from March 2027 to March 2028.
2 .7 million pounds of the additional funding is recommended for approval to support districts
with initial development work to define priority highway maintenance and renewal schemes that
will ultimately be taken forward as part of the future transport capital programme.
Proposed use of the remaining 5 .8 million pounds of funding is yet to be confirmed and
so we are seeking a delegation to the chief executive in consultation with the mayor to
amend existing allocations within the programme in response to emerging priorities as they
worked up over the coming months. Thank you. Any further comments? Thank you so
much. Are we happy to accept the 21 million 520 thousand DFT capacity fund
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 1:58:40
grant raising the programme total to 42 million 863 thousand pounds, approve a
revision to the programme scope, extend the programme delivery period to the 31st of
March 2028, approve two million seven hundred and seven thousand and seventy
£24 of development funding for partner councils delegate authority to the chief exec in consultation with myself
for future allocation amendments and changes to funding agreements and require future approvals to follow the assurance pathway and remain within
Tolerances all those in favour. Please raise your hand all
those against any abstentions
Thank you. Okie dokie
We are going to now if you are all content and I'm grateful for your concentration. Take a break
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 1:59:25
This is ahead of the Creative Industries paper.
I'm just going to take a break if that's okay, Felix.
It's not a long break.
We'll all grab a sandwich, have a cup of tea and then come back.
I just am becoming number blind.
So please bear with me if you really wanted to get this out of the way.
Apologies, Felix.
Okay, thank you all so much.
So it's 25 minute, 30 minute break.
If we can come back at 2 o 'clock.
Thank you.
Well done, Simon.

11 f) Project Approvals – Investment Priority 6 – Creative Industries, Culture, Heritage and Sport

Thank you, Mayor.
Felix Kumi-Ampofo, Director (West Yorkshire Combined Authority) - 2:00:38
You Can Make It Here programme has been running for about three or so years now.
We've so far spent almost, or you've approved about five million pounds to that programme.
This approval we are seeking today for 4 .7 million pounds takes the programme budget to
just over 9 million pounds.
As the mayor has just set out, we've used this to deliver the culture, health and support
action plan which you considered and approved several meetings ago.
This is the support that we've used for venues to become more accessible and more friendly
to all our residents.
We've used it to support freelancers, for screen and script diversity, and for many
other programmes in that part of our work.
For this extension, we are proposing to use this to build on the programme, and so some
of the activities like the Northern Music Export Office, screen sector development and
capacity work, but also to try some new things, like
exploring how we support IP development and the
creation of IP and the retention of such IP for
growth in West Yorkshire.
There's a lot more detail in the paper, and as the
mayor said, at subsequent meetings we will bring
more projects through for you to consider as we work
through the investment programme that you've
already approved.
Thank you.
Thank you so much and don't we know that IP is vital, whether that's Gentleman Jack or
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 2:02:23
Happy Valley, it has many iterations and puts us front and centre of the creative sector.
Any comments on You Can Make It Here? No, thank you. So are we happy to approve the
change request for You Can Make It Here 2 programme, increasing the CA's funding by
£4 ,773 ,664 to approve the extension of programme delivery to March 2029, to enable delivery
of additional Creative Places growth fund activities, approve entering into new or amended
funding agreements with delivery partners, with delegated authority to the Chief Executive
in consultation with myself, to confirm allocations once determined, to delegate authority to
to the chief executive in consultation with myself to amend allocated funding amounts
as required to maximise outputs and approve that future programme decisions follow the
established assurance pathway and tolerances. All those in favour? Any against? Any abstentions?
Thank you.
Recommendations have been carried.
So, moving on to the portfolio summary, this
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 2:03:37
gives us a clear snapshot of how major investment
programmes are progressing.
Pleased to see strong momentum across our
transport, regen, and skills projects, and
encouraging that significant funding
approvals have now been secured across key
programmes, with many schemes moving confidently
towards delivery.
And the report also notes where financial pressures are emerging as programmes mature
And it's reassuring that these have been closely monitored to keep everything on track
So can I ask Kate Taylor our director of finance and commercial services to take us through the recommendations? Thank you
Thank you chair. So the report has always useful noting and obviously
Kate Taylor, Director West Yorkshire Combined Authority - 2:04:18
given the mammoth amount of approvals that we have just seen and kind of encapsulates all of those with the most
new approvals obviously been through the transport portfolio that we have seen in there. The
report goes into a significant amount of detail around those schemes that are there. And just
for noting that we are looking to kind of collapse this into a kind of cohesive financial
reporting going forward, particularly kind of moving towards the integrated settlement.
So this will be the last time you will see this report in this type of format going forward
and we'll give you a new and exciting format
of the new municipal year.
Thank you.
And if you look at the list of funding streams,
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 2:05:00
that integrated settlement could not come soon enough, could it,
in the many and various schemes.
Are we happy to note the portfolio summary information
outlined in the report?
All those in favour, please raise your hand.
All those against, any abstentions?
Thank you.
Okie doke, moving on to item 13, the bus franchising transition programme.

12 Portfolio Summary

Reliable, affordable and accessible busses make such a difference to people's everyday

COMFORT BREAK

13 Bus Franchising

lives and I'm really pleased to see how far we've already come on this journey to
bring that network back under public control.
I want to thank everyone involved for their hard work and enthusiasm as we move towards
a better, more coordinated Weaver network for West Yorkshire.
And as the report highlights, we're making fantastic progress across every part of the
programme and I'm especially encouraged by the steps we're taking to modernise the network,
investing in zero emission vehicles, developing state of the art tech, securing the depots
and infrastructure we need for long term success.
These are absolutely the foundations of a brighter, more connected future for public
transport here in West Yorkshire.
So can I pass first to Liz Hunter our interim executive director for transport to briefers on the elements of the exempt?
Item, this is no longer commercially sensitive and then I pass on to Paul Matthews
Director of bus franchising. Thank you
Thank You mayor
So as members are aware we are currently in the process of conducting the procurement round for
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 2:06:32
round one of bus franchising.
Liz Hunter, Director (West Yorkshire Combined Authority) - 2:06:34
And it's really positive that we have, through this process,
generated significant interest from a range of operators who
are keen to come and talk to us about the tender opportunities
here in West Yorkshire.
We have, as you would expect, been engaging with the bidders
through this process and answering a significant volume
of relevant questions.
A number of operators have asked for additional time to complete
the
exemption. We need to consider this request and we need
justification for declining them. We have taken into
consideration the benefits of the process of enabling bidders
to have more time on their bids and we have accepted this
request. This will lead to an extension in the procurement
process and enabling us to continue with the nine month
the
market.
We are looking to see the expected start date of
franchising in mid -May.
Hopefully that helps with confirming what was and wasn't
in the exam panel. Thank you.
Thank you so much. It is really rewarding to see so many
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 2:07:41
operators actually wanting to get involved in West Yorkshire.
It just shows that the model of franchising is really working.
and they want to be partners with us, so that's a good news storey.
Any comments on that item before I move on to Paul?
No, thank you. Paul.
Thank you, Mayor. I mean, in terms of the scale and – or because of the scale and
complexity of the programme and the pace at which we're moving at, it is yet another
Paul Matthews, Director West Yorkshire Combined Authority - 2:08:13
quite complex paper, and with multiple appendices, multiple recommendations, approvals, delegations,
So if I may, as quickly as I can,
I'll walk you through the context
for the recommendations that are set within the paper.
And I suppose I begin with parallel 3 .5.
And chair, you referenced the progress which has been made.
And what we've tried to do in that short table, which
I shan't go through, is set out some of that progress which
has been made since the CA last met and continues to be made.
And again, happy to take questions on that at the end.
But in terms of the actual recommendations,
I suppose they're in five blocks, if I may.
The first one is relatively straightforward regarding
the contract award process.
Out with of what Liz has already mentioned just now,
we do, however, have a process to run to.
And therefore, in 3 .9, you can see
that the paper seeks approval for the combined authority
to delegate to the chief exec in consultation with the mayor
the actual authority toward franchise contracts
to preferred bidders.
That's not to make the decision.
That's simply to award based upon the evaluation of bids
which has gone before.
That delegation is necessary because of the timelines that
are necessary to make sure we can hit the date which
Liz has already outlined.
The next one, if I carry on, if it's all right,
and then come to the end for questions.
The next one is regarding a huge amount of work happening
in the assets workstream.
Firstly, again, it's very exciting
in terms of the round one franchise contract
new vehicles.
We took an approach to the combined authority
in the end of October regarding the new fleet.
And as part of that 16th of October paper,
We did confirm we'd be undertaking some scoping work regarding the specifications for the inside of new vehicles
And we did run the consultation between at the end of last year
Which I think we previously referenced some 5000 responses to the to that consultation
lots of events held and appendix 1 the first appendix is really setting out the results of that public consultation and
and what the combined authorities then is recommended to do is to approve that consultation response.
So that's set out in Appendix 1.
But then related to that, Appendix 2 is really what the preferred options in terms of vehicle design are,
which again I shan't go through.
They're set out at 3 .21, which are particularly around some of the questions, the key questions we asked customers
customers and potential customers what they wanted to see and do.
Perhaps I would draw your attention to things like seat type and Wi -Fi, which perhaps were the more
sensitive ones that came out of the consultation.
So at 3 .22 you can see that
in seeking to reach final confirmation of the specification,
we recommended the combined authority, delegates authority to the chief exec in conjunction with yourself
to finalise the specification for the new vehicles that we can then pass on to the manufacturers.
The third element is regarding technology and an on -bus technology. Again, quite complex in itself,
but it is proposed that ticket machines, ETMs as we call them, and AVL systems, vehicle location
systems, are being procured by the Authority for Inclusion in the franchise bus fleet.
That's a significant commitment, significant step forward.
And why are we doing that?
Partly it's set out within the paper, but in terms of ticket
machines, so that we can exert greater control over the
ticketing offer and the data that's captured therein.
And then in terms of the vehicle location, it's making sure that
all the elements set out at 3 .26, we can actually monitor
across the entire fleet with that piece of technology.
The report at 3 .8 brings forward the business case for ETMs and AVL, tick machines and vehicle location, which has been appraised.
So Appendix 3, the third appendix, includes the business case summary for business case.
Then on to 4, the next sort of section in terms of depots.
The report brings forward 4 issues in respect of assets and depots and properties.
Two of them are business case approvals.
One is related to Wakefield Bus Depot and the second is related to electric vehicle infrastructure.
In terms of the first one, I think members will be aware about the intention to procure and build a new depot in Wakefield in view of the inability to operate from the condemned site at Barnsley Road, the Areva site.
So the report brings forward the business case for Wakefield Bus Depot, which again has been appraised,
and Appendix 4 summarises the business case for Wakefield Bus Depot.
And then the second part of the assets is in respect of electric vehicle infrastructure.
Again, members will be aware that we've brought different papers in terms of electric infrastructure here before.
In January, we set out the opportunity that arisen to fund accelerated electrification
work at two Tier A depots, Huddersfield and Bradford.
But this business case report brings forward a 3 .44.
You can see brings forward the business case for further electrification work to be undertaken.
And Appendix 5 is the business case attached to that.
and principally it relates to electrification at Halifax,
it relates to further development work at the rest of the sites of electrified and potential electrifications,
and some contingencies as well.
The two final elements in terms of assets really relates to perhaps less significant, but nevertheless very important issues.
One is in respect of crew rooms.
So we have committed and indeed set out in the depot strategy
that the Combined Authority proved the commitment
to provide crew rooms for each Tier 8 operator,
with more work having now been done, as it set out 3 .48,
since that depot strategy was brought,
which is possible that we will need to look at sites not
within the authorities' control.
Most of the crewrooms will be in bus station sites,
but not all of them.
And so we're seeking, again, a delegation
to the chief exec in conjunction with the mayor
to approve a change request to the depot programme
to allow crewroom locations, which
are not part of the authorities' estate, to be acquired.
And then finally, in the asset space,
the exciting developments at Heckman DYKE, which will be, as I think members will be fully aware,
the first fully wevered branded bus station in West Yorkshire.
It's well on track to be introduced.
The owners of the site are Kirklees Council,
but there is an intent to move the management of the property through a long lease arrangement
to the combined authority and draught heads of terms have been agreed on that basis.
But we are recommending as part of this paper the approval of the acceptance of the heads of terms to enter into the lease and the additional costs associated with that.
And then finally, finally, you can see the network work stream and the service permit regime, which has been mentioned before.
We took the detail on the background to this, to the CA in September as to what was necessary and what was being asked for.
But that report set out that the service permit regime is comprised of two parts, a policy and the conditions attached to that.
It also set out the need to conduct a statutory consultation and delegate the authority to
the Chief Exec in conjunction with yourself to conduct that statutory consultation, which
has been undertaken, concluded in February, and Appendix 6 includes the findings from
that consultation.
And approval is sought for the finalised service permit regime and the notice and the descriptions
the conditions that are attached to the permit to be put in place in advance of the planned
start date of franchising. And so 3 .62 finally sets out the recommendation that the authority
delegates authority to the Chief Executive and yourself to carry out all the functions
in conjunction with the transport act to operate that service permit scheme.
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 2:17:54
Thank you, and I know the cross -border permits and the roots of concern are the members of
our community.
Before we go forward, do members wish to discuss the private appendix?
Any members want to discuss that?
No, that's fine.
So we can go on to a wider discussion.
One thing I'd like to ask, if I may, Paul, is where would I find the work that's been
done on the workstream on facilities for drivers.
I was out with a bus driver only yesterday,
talking about her route from Leeds to Harrogate
and Leeds to Scarborough, and how long those routes are
and how we can be helpful.
Where would I find it in the papers?
You'll find it on page 179 in the table.
Paul Matthews, Director West Yorkshire Combined Authority - 2:18:43
We've decided to put it within the people workstream,
And you can see the third bullet there is is reflecting that fact that that fact consideration requirements of driver welfare
Welfare facilities across the franchise network. So it's within
Within the table under people on page 179 so that we are doing that as part of that work stream
Thank you very reassuring. Thank you any comments on this paper
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 2:19:10
No, thank you so much. Okay moving on to recommendations
It's recommended that the Combined Authority delegates authority to award Round 1 franchise
contracts to the preferred bidders to be identified, approves the consultation response
relating to the design of new busses and delegates authority to finalise the vehicle specification,
approves the electronic ticketing machine and automatic vehicle location Round 1 scheme
full business case and to commence delivery including capital funding of up to 10 .2 million,
approves the Wakefield depot scheme outline business case including
development and early enabling works funding of circa 11 million pounds and
notes the total estimated cost of circa fifty nine point six million pounds
approves the electric vehicle infrastructure phase one scheme for
business case and to commence delivery including capital funding of circa 17 .3
million and notes the total estimated scheme cost of circa sixty eight point
million for phases one and two, and delegates
authority to approve a change request in relation
to the strategic outline case for the depot
programme to cover the provision of crew room
facilities, approves the acquisition of Hetman -Dwyer
bus station by way of long lease from Kirkley's
Council, and approves the consultation response
relating to the service permit regime,
recommendations, and resulting amendments in
the finalised regime proposal and delegates authority
to operate the regime.
All those in favour, please raise your hand.
Thank you.
Those against?
Counsellor Pation?
And those abstaining?
Thank you.
One abstention.
Thank you.
Yes, the recommendations have been.
The recommendations have passed.
You snooze, you buy a sofa.
So thank you so much.
So moving on to item 14,
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 2:21:17
ENCTS disabled travel.
This is an update on proposed changes
to concessionary travel for disabled passengers
as part of our wider West Yorkshire ambition
for the Weaver network.
I know how vital it is that everyone in West Yorkshire
has equal access to our public transport network
and I want to thank those who've shared their experiences
with us, particularly residents who are differently abled and rely on public transport every day.
As the report makes clear, allowing disabled pass holders to travel on busses for free before
9 .30am during the week has the potential to make a real and tangible difference, especially
for those needing to access work, education or medical appointments.
The plans for an early adoption in Wakefield this year will help us understand how passengers
benefit and how we can best extend this support across the whole region. This will play an
important role in delivering a fairer, more accessible network for all and aligns with
our wider ambitions for a simpler and more equitable fair system under WEAVER. The findings
will directly inform our subsequent rollout of this change for the rest of West Yorkshire
as part of franchising in 2027, ensuring the region -wide scheme is effective and sustainable.
If I could ask Councillor Hinchliffe as Chair of the Transport Committee to introduce the report
and then over to Tim Taylor, our Director of Transport Services, to take us through his recommendations. Thank you.
Thank you. I think we're really pleased to see this, Mayor, and thank you very much for
all your efforts to make sure this happens. There's something that councillors have lobbied for for a
Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe (Bradford Council) - 2:22:59
long time and I know the Transport Committee has discussed it several times, so lovely to see this.
have got a deadline now working towards that and I'm sure everybody in West
York will celebrate this so that's great thank you. Thank you Tim.
Yes thank you Mayor, thank you Councillor Lintliff. So as you rightly set out in your opening
remarks Mayor there is absolute recognition that under our Weaver network we want to
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 2:23:19
Tim Craven Private Representative - 2:23:21
improve the accessibility of public transport and in particular give people
access or better access to employment education and opportunity. So this paper
sets out those plans to allow the English national concessionary travel scheme for
disabled pass holders and for their companion pass holders to travel on busses
before 9 .30 during the weekday which is part of the current restriction on the
national scheme. This proposal is very much aligned to our first ticketing and
retail strategy and this board has seen that before and again it's discussed
extensively at our Transport Committee and again that in turn then is part of
wider plans and support for WEAVER. It also provides direct connexion between
our local transport plan and our regional growth plans and making sure
that transport provides that necessary infrastructure and connectivity to help
deliver our regional growth plans. We're therefore proposing to test the
principles set out in this paper through early adoption in May this year in
Wakefield and an extender scheme to cover the whole of West Yorkshire from the
start of franchising in 2027. Wakefield was around 9 ,300 pass holders, provides
an ideal location for us to do that early adoption and it aligns closely
with plans by the Department of Work and Pensions to trial their new jobs and
career services, a Pathfinder location as well and make sure that we can make that
Tim Taylor Director (West Yorkshire Combined Authority) - 2:24:34
connexion between that service and the initiatives and the benefits that this
is concessionary extension provides. This allows us to make sure that we evaluate
the benefits of those through research and monitoring of journeys and
making sure that we understand the kinds of journeys that pathholders are
Choosing to make before 930 to further refine our cost assumptions ahead of that full regional rollout
Which will ultimately bring benefit to around forty three thousand pass holders in West Yorkshire
So I welcome any questions that members might have and put for the recommendations are set out. Thank you, ma 'am
Thank you so much
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 2:25:11
and certainly there should be nothing in the way for people with a disability who want to get into work and
as
Councillor Hinchliffe has said we've been lobbied hard by
disability groups and councillors and I hope that this moment is a way that we
can say you know you asked and we delivered and we can then roll it out
across West Yorkshire but before I take wider questions do any members want to
discuss the private appendix? No thank you. Okay questions to Tim? Yes
Councillor Morley then Councillor Lamb. It's more of a comment Mayor but it's unusual for
to come here today because I'm normally grumpy about busses but uh you are this is a good day
Cllr Matthew Morley (Wakefield Council) - 2:25:56
the office quite happy and thank you for trying this in the Wakefield district this is quite
tangible it's shown you what the Wiebbenet was going to be a difference it's going to be what
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 2:26:02
Cllr Matthew Morley (Wakefield Council) - 2:26:03
we've had for the last 40 years already so it's very much welcome I've already had uh
representations from trustees of Wakefield uh side take who are more than happy about this
they're coming in it's gonna be a real difference to a lot of their members uh and to a lot of
People in the way through district but this ad you also with the new services that we were fetching as well
Connecting the five towns to Pinderfield Hospital that I know we've been lobbying for in discussion with yourself for quite a few years
I know the money has always been there. It's been the commitment from the bus companies. It's finally there
It's over the line the fact that you know
Catapult town centres is less than 20 minute drive to Pinderfield Hospital
But to take over an hour and a half to get there is it's completely ridiculous
So these new buffers will drastically cut down for NHS workers, patients, hospital users.
So I can't thank you enough, it's a great new storey, a great storey, the Combine Authority
and the council working together.
Thank you and we're still funding the free bus that goes around the town.
Councillor Lamb.
Thank you Mayor.
I welcome this change as well, it's a positive step.
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 2:27:08
The bit I want to focus on is something I've talked about here a few times before and obviously
Cllr Alan Lamb Leeds City Council - 2:27:12
disabilities cover a wide range of situations but particularly for people in
wheelchairs, while this will be welcome the barrier remains if the bus
turns up and the one wheelchair space is already occupied this change will not
help you and particularly when the places like in my area we've got an
hourly service it's a real big problem and I know the paper isn't addressing
that today but work is going on around it but I'm just really keen to keep
highlighting the point and make sure we're committed to try. It's not easy to
do it, you can't wave a magic wand, but we really need to try and find a way
because while this will help a lot of people, if there isn't a space on the bus
regardless of what time you can get on and you use your concession, this isn't
going to help you and so we've got to find find a way between us to to solve
that problem. Thank you and that's when we embarked on the consultation with the
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 2:28:11
What did they want? Did they want two wheelchair spaces? Did they want just one?
That then you would be a choice between a pushchair or wheelchair and that
feedback from the public has been woven into our spec and our design.
But I would say gently, Councillor Lamb, that it's franchising that is giving us
this opportunity to decide what our busses look like and who they are for.
And gently, you did vote against franchising because this is not what
you wanted to see. So we are now here, we are now here and we can make decisions
about what type of busses we want. Councillor Lamb. Yeah if I may just
correct what you said Mayor. I didn't vote against franchising because this isn't
what I want to see. I voted against franchising because I think we could
Cllr Alan Lamb Leeds City Council - 2:28:57
have delivered it faster and a better value to the taxpayer. Time will tell.
I hope I'm wrong and I've made the decision and you turn out to be right but time will tell.
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 2:29:09
Cllr Alan Lamb Leeds City Council - 2:29:10
Thank You councillor Lam. Tim comments. Just one point in response Mayor.
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 2:29:11
I'm absolutely happy to include as part of the evaluation and monitoring of that
scheme to make sure if there are any challenges with wheelchair space
Tim Taylor Director (West Yorkshire Combined Authority) - 2:29:18
availability we'll capture those through conversations with our cooperators
initially and make sure as you say through wider fleet plans under the
weaving out work going forward. Thank you. Any further comments? Super. Okie doke. So are we
I'm happy to approve the adoption of a change to the English national concessionary travel
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 2:29:43
scheme to allow free pre -930 weekday bus travel for disabled and companion passholders from
the start of bus franchising in 2027, subject to effective evaluation during 2026, approve
an initial 11 -month scheme variation allowing free pre -930 weekday bus travel for disabled
and companion passholders for journeys starting in Wakefield from May 2026 and approve the
use of local authority bus grant to cover estimated costs of £241 ,500 for the 26 -27
Wakefield scheme variation and note the forecast 2728 costs of a full regional roll out.
All those in favour please raise your hand.
Thank you.
Those against?
Any abstentions?
Thank you.
That has been carried.
Thank you so much.
Treasury Management Strategy Statement is Item 15.
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 2:30:42
This report presents the CA's Treasury Management Strategy Statement for 26 -27 financial year.
Finance Resource and Corporate Committee has provided the review and scrutiny function
and has endorsed the strategy to come to this committee today for formal approval.
The Treasury Management Strategy is a statutory requirement, sets out guardrails and prudential
limits to be applied to the management of our treasury functions.
Kate, our Director of Finance and Commercial Services, please take us through the recommendations.
Thank you, Chair.
Kate Taylor, Director West Yorkshire Combined Authority - 2:31:19
As outlined, the Treasury Management Strategy is an annual requirement that comes through,
so you will have seen this come through in previous years.
We are required, it is a compliance statement in many ways led by the SITFA Treasury Management
Code which we have to show compliance with for that.
That said, it is a really important document, not least because strong Treasury management
is absolutely crucial and members will remember that our budget position is underpinned by
Treasury management income to support the ongoing costs of the combined authority and
activities across the region.
There is an incredibly strong link between capital plans
for 26, 27, which will drive that.
Broadly, the report sets out four main areas.
It talks around the planned capital expenditure,
how that will be financed, and the capital finance
requirements, so the amount of borrowing
that we will need to do to support that expenditure.
It talks around the minimum revenue provision.
It then sets out how we will borrow,
and then it also sets out how we will manage the money that we
invest. We have reviewed all of our limits, particularly in light of the integrated settlement
and the additional money that will be flowing to the authority to ensure that we have sufficient
capacity to be able to manage that money to best affect and maximise the returns on it.
The minimum revenue provision is a mandatory annual charge that we are required to show
and goes into our income and expenditure statement, and that shows about how we will pay off our
principal debt for any borrowing that has been incurred for capital purposes.
There is a menu of options in there and you are asked to approve the option that we have
picked which is to spread that over the useful economic life of the asset in there.
So expenditure made after the 1st of April 2008 will be used on the asset life method.
Finally, we draw attention to Appendix 3, which sets out the responsibilities of myself
as Section 73 officer.
There are some changes implicit within the code that are in there.
These are concurrent with the CIFA role of the CFO in MSAs, and they're also supported
by our financial delegations and sub -delegation schemes to enable me to carry out those duties
effectively.
You will receive reports on our Treasury Management performance during the year for that and also
an annual report at the year end out turn for this current year.
Happy to take any questions.
Thank you so much, Kate.
Any questions?
No, thank you.
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 2:33:54
Are members happy to approve the 2627 Treasury Management Strategy Statement, approve the
minimum revenue provision statement at paragraph 3 .37?
Consider appendices three and four setting out changes to section 73 officer responsibilities. All those in favour, please raise your hand
Thank you those against any abstentions. Thank you
The recommendations are carried moving on to item 16 governance review
This next item is the conclusion of phase one of the governance review
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 2:34:26
undertaken to ensure our committee structure and governance
evolves and is ever fit for purpose as we enter fully integrated settlements and the
next stage of devolution. The findings are outlined in the report along with our proposed
structure, terms of reference and membership model. Overall, it's recognised that the
number of formal committee meetings and positions we currently organise is unsustainable and
inefficient and the plan is to move to a more streamlined system supported by a more agile
advisory and partnership structure.
Nikki Diehl, our Assistant Director of Legal Governance
and Compliance, can you take us through the recommendations,
please?
Thank you, Chair.
Members, I'm really pleased to present this paper today.
The paper's fairly detailed, so I
hope it can be taken as read.
Nikki Deol Assistant Director Legal, Governance & Compliance - 2:35:17
But as you can see, as part of the diagnostics test,
we tried to have a look at the best and most agile committee
structure as we move into devolution and integrated
and making sure that we have strategic focus in regards to our decision making.
The recommendation is for a tri -committee arrangement by which we have a dedicated combined
authority board, a Weaver network board and an investment board which discharges distinctly

16 Governance Review

relevant decisions to those subject areas and makes sure it's ready and agile so that
members can make those decisions in the most strategic way but also so that the public
can see how our decision making is being made in a transparent and easily understandable
way. There is also the arrangement of advisory forums which will be non -public facing and
that will enable for discussions to take place from partners and other parties across the
region so that they can feed into the decision making and make sure that when it reaches
the boards, it's been properly incubated and there is a strategic direction for the region.
I believe that these recommendations will best serve the combined authority as it moves
into integrated settlement and also through devolution bill and the recommendations at
2 .1 and 2 .2 on page 225 of your pack sets out both the phasing, the committee composition
We have a commission of membership alongside the draught
terms of reference that have been devised. These are ready
now.
So that they are ready for when the
bill is received to all assent. I'm happy to take questions.
Chair.
Thank you so much, Nicky, there's a lot of work here.
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 2:37:04
Having those 11 committees, it was too
much overlap, it wasn't productive and it was inefficient.
So I'm really grateful that the integrated settlement has given us this opportunity to
look again at that committee structure.
Any comments?
No?
Well, thank you.
So can members agree to note the governance review findings, approve the new governance
arrangements, including the committee structure, terms of reference and membership model to
take effect at the 26th annual meeting and agree that the authority may amend its constitution,
delegate to the assistant director of legal governance and compliance authority, authority
to make any drafting or technical amendments required for compliance with the devolution
and community empowerment bill before the annual meeting.
All those in favour, please raise your hand. Any against? Any abstentions? Thank you, that
is passed and thank you for all your hard work on that, Nikki.
It's been quite a journey.
Moving on, item 17, the corporate plan and business
plans.
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 2:38:10
This report sets out how we'll deliver our shared missions
for West Yorkshire with clear priorities, measures,
and milestones.
And I'm really encouraged by the strong alignment with the West
Yorkshire plan and the focus on being a high performing value
for money organisation.
The updated business plans show how

17 The Corporate Plan & Business Plans

director will contribute to our ambitions over 26 27 and can I ask Sarah
Eaton our director of strategy to take us through the recommendations. Thank you
Mayor so I think this paper follows on from the the paper that went to the
Combined Authority in January and the draught business plans were presented
there. I think in following approval of the budget we work has been taking place
now to kind of develop the corporate plan as you say aligns to the kind of
West Yorkshire plan missions. We're also looking at how we align obviously to the
paper that we brought earlier today around the integrated settlement and the
Sarah Eaton, Director (West Yorkshire Combined Authority) - 2:39:04
wider outcomes framework. The appendix sets out a structure that we're looking
to work towards in terms of kind of publishing that next version. I think
it's important to note that this is the third year of the four -year plan that we
agreed a number of years ago and obviously what we're doing as we move
along this process is iterating that plan and making sure that it's fit for purpose.
What we'll do is subject to approval. Once we've got that approval, we'll go away and
make sure we've done the finalised targets, et cetera, that we've discussed today, get
that plan approved. So I think that's the main purpose of this paper today is to set
that plan out. I think it is useful in terms of the appendix. It's got quite a lot of achievements
over the last year which are really good to note in terms of the work that's been done
by the Command Authority and our partners. So that's a good thing to note but also as
you say to kind of finalise the business plans which we've taken some time to just have a
quick look at to make sure it aligns with some of the developments that are taking place
as part of integrated settlement negotiations. So I'll stop there.
And I really do reflect on the ambition of the organisation so thank you everybody for
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 2:40:16
sharing that vision for that better brighter West Yorkshire and putting it into motion. Any comments for Sarah?
Nope okie -dokie. Are we happy to approve the structure of the corporate plan 2627 in line with the CA's four -year plan?
Approve the director of business plans on a page for 2627.
Delegate the production finalisation publication of the corporate plan to the chief executive in consultation with myself. All those in favour
please raise your hand. Any against?
Any abstentions? No. Thank you so much. The recommendations have been carried.

18 Pay Policy Statement

Pay policy statement. The next item on the agenda is our pay policy statement for the year ahead.
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 2:40:53
This report strengthens our commitment to openness on pay with updates to reflect our current structure,
clearer reporting on those pay gaps and refreshed pay ratios.
I'm pleased to see the continued focus on fair and consistent pay
supported by strong governance and the Hay Job Evaluation Framework. The
statement also highlights how carefully managed pay flexibilities help us to
attract the specialist skills we need to deliver for Worshawkshire while
remaining responsible with public funds. Can I ask Joe Dent, our Assistant
Director of People and Transformation to take us through the recommendations.
Thank you Joe. Thank you Mayor. So the Combined Authority must publish the
annual pay policy statement in line with the statute of requirements under section 38 of
Jo Dent Assistant Director People & Transformation - 2:41:44
the Localism Act 2011, ensuring transparency in pay for senior officers and the wider workers.
The statement includes several updates, such as the disability gap pay ratios and updated
the pay scales.
There are no significant risks associated with publishing the statement and any financial
implications aligned with the budget.
Any further questions?
Lovely, thank you.
And it is pleasing to see that we are closing the gender pay gap, but there is still more
to do on the disability pay gap as well.
Any comments?
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 2:42:22
No, thank you.
Can we approve the pay policy statement for the 26 -27 financial year, approve the publication
publication of the Pay Policy Statement for 26 -27 on the CA's website. All those in favour, please raise their hand.
Anyone against? Any abstentions?
Thank you so much. The recommendations are carried. Moving on to item 19, future collective bargaining arrangements.

19 Future Collective Bargaining Arrangements

Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 2:42:50
The next item on the agenda is an update on our future collective bargaining arrangements. Before we begin,
I'd like to recognise the hard work that's gone into this review and thank colleagues and trade union partners for their continued
Engagement ensuring we have the right framework in place for pay and conditions is absolutely vital
To build a strong modern organisation. We are becoming as a report highlights
It's a massive opportunity for us our current arrangements have served for many years
But they were designed for a very different organisation back in the day what we have in front of us today
It is a chance to move toward a system that better
reflects who we are now and the ambitions we have
for the future.
And I'm encouraged by the options set out in the
paper and the thoughtful assessment that has been
carried out.
It's clear we can take a positive step towards a
more agile, more responsive, and more locally
relevant approach to pay, one that gives our workforce
clarity, strengthens our partnerships with trade
unions, and supports our long -term strategic goals.
I'm particularly pleased to see the emerging preferred direction that allows us to stay
aligned with national pay awards where it makes sense, while giving us the freedom to
shape our wider terms and conditions in a way that supports a modern, flexible, and
high -performing workforce.
A really exciting step forward.
The proposed timeline gives us the space to work constructively with Unison and colleagues
across the organisation, ensuring our next steps are clear, collaborative and carefully
managed. And I'm confident that with this approach we can put in place arrangements
that are stable and future focused. We'll receive a final set of recommendations once
all the options have been fully explored, but I really welcome the positive progress
reflected in this report and the opportunity it gives us to strengthen our organisation
for the next decades to come. So Jo, can you take us through the recommendations please?
Yes, thank you, ma 'am. So as published the combined authority intends to withdraw from the passenger transport forum
Jo Dent Assistant Director People & Transformation - 2:44:58
And as the mayor's explained and as it's clear in the paper, it isn't really fit for purpose anymore
and
The paper sets out the options for future collective bargaining and our preferred option is to is to leave and adopt
Section two of the NJC and so we link through
in pay and get and would follow the NJC national settlement while so the
local
Conditions of service would be negotiated locally and strengthened through a local framework
Moving to the NJC on pay only requires minimal contractual changes as well. So it actually reduces our risk significantly
and
And we've already had engagement with Unison on this move.
I think another thing to note is the remaining three members of the PTF have also served
notice to leave and adopt a very similar arrangement.
I'm happy to take questions.
Thank you.
And it's pleasing that we're not on our own, that others have also taken that decision.
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 2:46:14
in a modern world. It's a different expectation from the workforce, isn't it? Any comments
for Jo? No? Thank you all so much. Okay, so can we endorse the decision by the Head of
Paid Service to serve notice and withdraw from the PTF and endorse the Head of Paid
Service to make the final decision on future collective bargaining arrangements once all
the options have been fully explored. All those in favour, please raise your hand. All
those against. Any abstentions? The recommendations are approved. Thank you.

20 Officer Arrangements

Item 20, officer arrangements. This covers interim officer arrangements. And can I just
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 2:46:54
acknowledge the professionalism shown across the organisation during this really complex
period of change. The report sets out temporary leadership has been put in place to ensure
continuity following the Executive Director for Transport's absence with additional capacity
brought in to support mass transit and an interim director appointed to maintain oversight
across environment and place. And I'm really encouraged that these arrangements supported
by expertise from the National Wealth Fund will provide stability whilst longer term
structures are renewed, including preparations for bus franchising.
If I could ask Ben Still, our Chief Executive, takes through the recommendations.
Thank you, Chair.
And as we're running about 40 minutes ahead of schedule, I can spend some time on this
paper and take you through it line by line.
How could you do that today?
I'm trying to give people the energy in their life.
Ben Still, Chief Executive (West Yorkshire Combined Authority) - 2:47:50
I
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 2:47:51
Think sure you've you've you've covered issues. Well the paper falls into two parts
Ben Still, Chief Executive (West Yorkshire Combined Authority) - 2:47:55
The first brings up to brings up to date and puts on public record a set of interim decisions that we have taken and consulted
You as combined Authority members on over the previous months
Due to the absence of the substantive executive director for transport
And of course, it's not ideal and that we're putting in interim arrangements
but as the Mayor has said, we believe we've done so to add capacity and resilience where
necessary and bolstered the leadership of some key projects.
The second part of the paper looks forward and seeks a delegation to the Mayor and myself
to scope out and if required, which I suspect it will be, to bolster the leadership in readiness
for the operationalisation of bus franchising.
Thank you.
It is welcome that the national wealth fund, is it two colleagues from there?
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 2:48:49
There are three involved but there are two at any one time.
Great stuff.
To have that extra capacity is always welcome.
Any comments?
Ben Still, Chief Executive (West Yorkshire Combined Authority) - 2:48:57
No?
OK, thank you so much.
Can we endorse the interim executive director for transport role as set out in paragraph
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 2:49:07
3 .3, endorse the recruitment of an interim senior responsible officer for mass transit
as set out in paragraph 3 .5, endorse the interim Director of Environment and Place role and
interim title change as set out in paragraph 3 .6, delegate authority to the Chief Executive
in consultation with myself to scope boss franchising staffing arrangements and progress
an additional director post if required as set out in paragraphs 3 .12 to 3 .13.
All those in favour please raise your hand.
Anyone against?

21 Minutes for Information of Committee Meetings

any abstentions? Thank you that has been carried. Okay we have come to the end of
Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - 2:49:53
an extraordinary agenda that has been quite something. Thank you very much
everybody for your concentration. The final item is minutes for information

22 Date of the Next Meeting

that's details of minutes of committees or notes of informal meetings of members
that have been published on the West Yorkshire authorities website since the last meeting
in January. So I want to note that this is our last meeting before the AGM in June. God
speed to the elections everybody. Thank you to every member for your energy, challenge
and commitment throughout this municipal year. And what we've pulled off here in West Yorkshire
and what we've achieved has only been possible
because we've worked together.
We have taken a place over politics approach,
where the CA and our five constituent councils
pull in the same direction.
I am so grateful to the leaders of our district partner councils
for their leadership and collaboration.
Your partnership is absolutely central to our progress.
And I really want to carry this spirit forward,
the West Yorkshire Way, the collaboration,
the cooperation to continue to listen to solve problems and to deliver better outcomes for the
people of West Yorkshire. It's been quite a year with a lot of change but I think we're in a much
more exciting and better position now than we've ever been and there is still more to come. So just
to end I'd like to remind members of the date of the next meeting which is June the 25th and to
close the meeting and thank colleagues for everything you've done to get this meeting
underway and to draw together an agenda that has enabled us to get £230 million out through
the door to make the lives of people of West Shorlshire better.
Thank you all.
Thanks.