Guarantee of skills or jobs on way in region

YOUNG people in Leeds will be guaranteed training or work as part of a deal with Government to devolve powers.

The city region has agreed a raft of proposals to give young people who are not in education, employment or training – “Neets” – the skills and jobs they need.

The “Guarantee for the Young”, promising 20,000 new opportunities for young people, including 2,500 new apprenticeships.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The deal will also see increased powers over budgets to invest in growth, support local businesses and improve critical infrastructure. The Neets guarantee applies only to Leeds - and includes a new “Academy” for 14- to 24-year-olds - but there will also be an apprenticeship hub in Bradford.

A £200 million investment fund will also be established - controlled by the Local Enterprise Partnership, and a £1 billion transport fund, controlled by a new combined authority, known as West Yorkshire Plus, made up of Leeds, Bradford, Calderdale, Wakefield, Kirklees and York.

Leader of Leeds City Council Keith Wakefield said: “This announcement is hugely significant for Leeds, for the eleven local authorities that make up the City Region and for the North as a whole.

“This deal spells the beginning of a fundamental shift in the relationship between Whitehall and the regions. It marks the first steps of a new era which will allow the North to truly control its own destiny.

“I’m looking forward to working with the other local authorities to create a thriving economy.”