Transport tops agenda at Leeds city region summit

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Political and business leaders from across Yorkshire converged on Harrogate to mark the official launch of the Leeds City Region pilot programme.

The launch saw the Leeds City Region Partnership bit to take on greater powers and control over funding and key regional issues, such as housing, regeneration, innovation, transport and skills.

The partnership is one of only two city regions in the UK to be granted pilot status by the Government, and the first to officially launch its programme.

More than 350 national and regional representatives took part in the city region summit at Harrogate Conference Centreand heard how the pilot programme will help the area respond to the recession and set out plans for future economic growth.

The Leeds City Region Pilot Programme has been agreed between the Government and the 11 local authorities that make up the city region.

It will give the partnership more control over how and where money is spent across the city region to address housing and transport challenges.

The summit will also see the launch of two new plans for the city region including the city region's Housing&Regeneration strategy and its 20-year Transport Strategy.

The conference was addressed by Regional Minister, Rosie Winterton MP, who said the Government is committed to devolving powers that will improve local leadership, drive up economic growth and deliver greater prosperity.

"This is one of the first city-region pilots and it will test what freedoms and powers local areas need to ensure they make an even greater contribution to regional and national growth.

Councillor Andrew Carter, chairman of the Leeds City Region Leaders Board, said: "Today's launch is an important step in devolving more powers and control over funding to local government.

"I am delighted that the Leeds City Region is one of only two new pilots in the UK. By taking up the new powers, our local authorities will be better equipped to work with local businesses and partners to drive forward economic recovery."

The transport strategy will set out a framework for improving transport over the next 20 to 25 years. Among the key measures that have been identified to improve local transport are better and quicker local bus services with lower, integrated fares, additional rail carriages and an improved and upgraded rail network, and new provisions to encourage cycling.

Published with permission of TheBusinessDesk.com

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