City-region ‘ready’ for greater say over cash

21 August 2009

The Leeds City Region partnership hopes to sign off proposals for new spending powers by the autumn, which would bring forward four urban ‘eco towns’ and other key infrastructure projects.

Leeds, together with Greater Manchester, was awarded pilot city-region status in this year’s budget as part of government plans to devolve additional funding powers to conurbations.

Since then, the 11 Leeds City Region local authorities, have proposed more funding powers over housing, regeneration, and flexible financing mechanisms to fund infrastructure for four eco-settlements: Aire Valley Leeds; York Northwest; Bradford-Shipley canal corridor; and North Kirklees/South Dewsbury.

In the short term, the partnership is seeking devolved funding streams to accelerate delivery of 30,000 new homes through its new growth point and urban eco-settlements programmes. Medium term, the LCR partnership would establish a single funding pot for housing and regeneration.

The Aire Valley is proposed as a pilot for an accelerated development zone (ADZ) model in order to overcome the impact of the recession on forward-financing for infrastructure.

The partnership was reviewing transport governance separately, and had proposed that the West Yorkshire Integrated Transport Authority worked with York and North Yorkshire councils within the context of the city-region, a Leeds City Council spokesman said.

Cllr Andrew Carter, chair of the Leeds City Region leaders board, said: ‘If we are able to achieve the full extent of powers and responsibilities put forward in our proposals, the plans will kick-start work to accelerate economic growth and provide a better business environment for enterprise to thrive and drive the city-region economy to a quicker recovery.’

Register now for full access

Register just once to get unrestricted, real-time coverage of the issues and challenges facing UK transport and highways engineers.

Full website content includes the latest news, exclusive commentary from leading industry figures and detailed topical analysis of the highways, transportation, environment and place-shaping sectors. Use the link below to register your details for full, free access.

Already a registered? Login