What does the £1.8bn West Yorkshire Devolution deal mean for Calderdale

A West Yorkshire Devolution deal worth £1.8bn to the county has been secured - but what will it mean for Calderdale?
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The agreement, includes a Government commitment to support the development of a West Yorkshire Mass Transit System and investment from the Transforming Cities Fund which, with the other resources available through the deal, will enable the delivery of the full pipeline of West Yorkshire transport projects submitted in the region’s bid.

The deal also includes a guaranteed £1.1 billion over the next 30 years in a new West Yorkshire Investment Fund, money to develop plans for future housing sites

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West Yorkshire secures £1.8bn devolution deal unlocking 'decades of investment' ...
Calderdale Council leader Councillor Tim SwiftCalderdale Council leader Councillor Tim Swift
Calderdale Council leader Councillor Tim Swift
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In addition to significant funding, the deal announced in today’s Budget gives West Yorkshire far greater decision-making powers allowing the region to set its own priorities including

ensuring a vibrant future for towns and our rural areas while securing the economic success of cities.

The deal will see the creation of a West Yorkshire Mayor, to be elected for the first time in May 2021, working with the Combined Authority.

So what does the West Yorkshire Devolution deal mean for Calderdale?

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This is what we could see happen in the broough now the West Yorkshire devolution deal has been secured:

* Transport improvements in Halifax town centre comprising a new bus station, improved interchange between bus and rail and new cycle superhighways to Mixenden, Ovenden and Illingworth

• Improved traffic-free access to Elland Station including two pedestrian/cycle bridges

• Upgrade to cycling and walking access to Brighouse station

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Leader of Calderdale Council, Councillor Tim Swift said: “This is a good deal for Calderdale and for West Yorkshire, devolving significant powers and investment from a national to a regional level.

“Our focus will be on supporting local priorities: increasing investment in our regional infrastructure and building an inclusive economy which provides good quality employment in our towns and cities.

“We will also prioritise improvements to public transport so it offers a practical and sustainable alternative to car use, improving air quality by reducing congestion and supporting our work to tackle climate change.”

What other investment is planned for West Yorkshire?

* £38 million per year for 30 years into West Yorkshire Investment Fund with significant freedoms to spend on local priorities

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* Government commitment to work with West Yorkshire to develop modern mass transit system through access to a new five-year integrated transport settlement

* £317 million to invest in public transport, cycling and walking through Transforming Cities Fund with local flexibility on delivery

* A £25 million fund to support the development of a British Library North in Leeds

* Control of the £63 million annual Adult Education Budget for West Yorkshire

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*£500,000 of Government funding to support masterplanning in Bradford City Centre to maximise regeneration opportunities from Northern Powerhouse Rail

* Funding for the next stage of development of the outline business case for Leeds station redevelopment.

* £3.2 million to support the development of a pipeline of housing sites across West Yorkshire.

* £200,000 Government funding for collaboration at a Yorkshire-level through the Yorkshire Leaders Board