More co-operation on transport

YORK could join forces with local authorities in West Yorkshire in a bid to bolster growth and attract more cash to transport projects.

The Government has asked local authorities to reconsider how bids are made for support for major transport projects and council officers are suggesting that York could join forces with local authorities in West Yorkshire. The new arrangements set out by the Department of Transport (DfT) will see a joint Local Transport Body (LTB) that will determine how funding for major transport schemes will be spent.

Members of York Council’s cabinet, will be asked to back a proposal when they meet on October 9.

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York will work with all neighbouring authorities, but the report outlines how the proposed partnership with West Yorkshire offers the most scope to maximise funding and investment for York.

Coun Dave Merrett, cabinet member for transport, planning and sustainability, said: “If agreed, this will support the coordination of transport, green and economic investment funds to maximise a collective benefit, whilst supporting collaboration between Leeds and Manchester City Regions to drive economic growth across the North of England.”

In developing a West Yorkshire and York LTB it is proposed York’s major scheme funding is spent either on schemes with a mutual benefit to West Yorkshire and York - and potentially other LTB’s - or on schemes of benefit to York and its vicinity.

This may be applicable to schemes such as improving access to Leeds Bradford International Airport, the York Northern Outer Ring Road and the Harrogate rail line.