Decision details

To support the principle of establishing a £1Billion ‘West Yorkshire Plus’ Transport Fund and the associated, indicative levels of financial commitments subject to:

·  A satisfactory conclusion to on-going City Deal negotiations, specifically including securing clarity and agreement on an acceptable level  of Earn Back funding from future additional business rates in West Yorkshire and York and;

·  An in-principle agreement being made by all West Yorkshire District Authorities.

The Director of City Development submitted a report providing an update on the progress made to date with regard to the development of a ‘West Yorkshire Plus’ Transport Fund across West Yorkshire and York.

An updated version of paragraph 3.35 of the submitted report had been circulated to Board Members for their consideration, following the publication of the agenda.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry regarding the funding of the NGT Trolleybus scheme in Leeds, the Board received details of the reasoning behind why that project was not being incorporated into the ‘West Yorkshire Plus’ initiative.

Members highlighted the importance of ensuring that all participating Local Authorities were kept engaged and on board for the life of the initiative.

In conclusion, the Board welcomed the all-party support which the initiative had gained and briefly discussed the long term benefits the scheme could provide, together with the options available in respect of maximising the fund’s potential. 

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the principle of establishing a £1 billion ‘West Yorkshire Plus’ Transport Fund together with the associated, indicative levels of financial commitments, be supported, subject to:-

·   A satisfactory conclusion to on-going City Deal negotiations, specifically including securing clarity and agreement on an acceptable level of Earn Back funding from future additional business rates in West Yorkshire and York; and

·   An in principle agreement being made by all West Yorkshire District Authorities.

(b)  That in principle agreement be given to the scope of improvements to be included in the Fund, as referenced within the submitted report and Appendix A, subject to appropriate on-going engagement and consultation with local Members and other relevant partners and communities during scheme design.

Executive Members have been consulted. Further consultation to be considered following this in-principle decision being taken.