Council leader asks Wakefield public to 'look beyond bureaucracy' as survey on West Yorkshire deal starts

The leader of Wakefield Council has urged the public to "look beyond the bureaucracy" as a consultation on the West Yorkshire devolution deal starts today.
Council leaders from across West Yorkshire with Chancellor Rishi Sunak as the proposed deal was finalised in March.Council leaders from across West Yorkshire with Chancellor Rishi Sunak as the proposed deal was finalised in March.
Council leaders from across West Yorkshire with Chancellor Rishi Sunak as the proposed deal was finalised in March.

People across the region are being encouraged to give their views on the proposed deal, which would see its first metro mayor elected in May 2021.

Councillor Denise Jeffery said she accepted and agreed with arguments from critics that the deal means another layer of politics.

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But she said the funding on offer for West Yorkshire - £1.8billion over 30 years - was too good to turn down.

1.8bn of funding would be handed to the region under the plans, provided an elected mayor is installed next year.1.8bn of funding would be handed to the region under the plans, provided an elected mayor is installed next year.
1.8bn of funding would be handed to the region under the plans, provided an elected mayor is installed next year.

In a direct pitch to residents in Wakefield, Coun Jeffery said: "The government's talked a lot of about levelling up in recent years. I think there's been too much levelling down in places like ours.

"But that's why I think this is such a big opportunity for us. £1.8billion is absolutely amazing.

"I hope people can look beyond another layer of bureaucracy because the government have decided they're going down this road with elected mayors and we can't get left behind.

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"As I've said before I think this is the only game in town."

Coun Jeffery said she the deal represented the "future of West Yorkshire".Coun Jeffery said she the deal represented the "future of West Yorkshire".
Coun Jeffery said she the deal represented the "future of West Yorkshire".

The deal comes with new powers over things like public transport and skills and the new mayor will take over the duties of the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), which sets priorities for West Yorkshire Police.

Councillor Jeffery acknowledged the results of a 2012 referendum on whether or not Wakefield should have an elected mayor.

Back then, 62 per cent of voters came out against the proposal, as did Coun Jeffery, who was Wakefield's deputy leader at the time.

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Speaking on Tuesday, Coun Jeffery said: "Originally an elected mayor wasn't something Wakefield wanted.

"We knew that people didn't want more politicians.

"I led the campaign against it back then, so I know people must be looking at me and thinking, "What's she on about now?!"

"But this now is about funding and it's about the future of West Yorkshire and getting our fair share.

"I'd ask people to get in touch with your views, whatever they are, and they will all be taken into account."

Local Democracy Reporting Service

How to take part

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With libraries and leisure centres closed, the council says it's not possible for paper consultations to be sent out.

However, you can give your views via the following means

Visiting www.yourvoice.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/WYdevolution

Sending a written response to the freepost address: Freepost WY Devolution Consultation (no stamp needed)

Calling 0800 141 3657