Jobs promised in economic plan

The plan includes initiatives to tackle a range of long-term problems that have damaged economic growth in the region including skill levels, transport and attracting more investment from overseas.

Ambitions include turning the Leeds City Region area, which covers West Yorkshire and many of its neighbours, into a “global digital centre”, dramatically increasing the building of new homes and moving towards a properly integrated ‘metro style’ transport network.

The Leeds City Region Local Enterprise Partnership and West Yorkshire Combined Authority, have drawn up the plan to show how they will spend hundreds of millions of pounds already secured from the Government, the European Union and other sources to grow the local economy.

Local enterprise partnership chairman Roger Marsh said a key element of the plan was to ensure the area sees “good growth” that improves quality of life as well as incomes.

He said: “This is built on investing the funding we have available to us.

“If further pounds and powers come to us, in whatever mixture or Government box, then we would wish to extend what we would like to deliver.”

Following the flooding which devastated parts of the region on Boxing Day, the document proposes a programme of measures across the area to reduce the risk of a repetition.

It also identifies areas which will be prioritised for jobs and housing growth.

The main target is to grow the economy faster than the national average so the area is contributing more to tax revenues than it is taking in Government funding.

The document has been published as discussions continue with ministers over a potential devolution deal for the area which would include the creation of an elected mayor.

With South Yorkshire, Greater Manchester and other areas already agreeing to take more control over their own affairs, concerns have been voiced that the Leeds City Region could be falling behind because of the failure to reach a deal.

Mr Marsh said the document showed the area’s economic plans are not being hampered by the devolution discussions.

He said: “We don’t need to think of ourselves or present ourselves as second to anyone. We need to present ourselves as a pivotal part of the North, and the country, with or without devolution.”

Combined authority chairman Peter Box said: “Through this plan we’re setting our own growth agenda, focusing on the needs and priorities of our residents and businesses rather than waiting for government to tell us how to spend money locally.

“Now we need government to commit to the devolution deal that’s currently on the table, so that we can realise the full potential of this plan for the benefit of the millions of people who live and work here.”

South Yorkshire, as part of the Sheffield City Region, agreed a devolution deal with Chancellor George Osborne last year that will see the area elect a mayor next year.

Council leaders in West, North and East Yorkshire have so far been unable to agree which of their areas should join together to agree similar deals. It is understood further talks have taken place since the local elections earlier this month but it is thought progress is unlikely until after the EU referendum.