Proposals for a new body to manage investment worth £1.5bn in West Yorkshire’s transport and economic infrastructure have been sent to Government for final approval after all five councils and the Integrated Transport Authority agreed the plans.

The proposal is for a West Yorkshire Combined Authority made up of Bradford, Leeds, Wakefield, Kirklees and Calderdale councils.

Each of the five West Yorkshire councils agreed that the move would also allow better prospects for future wealth and job creation, working together to have a stronger combined voice with Whitehall rather than acting individually.

Bradford Council was the first local authority to approve the plans when it met last month.