A consultation into whether councils across West Yorkshire should unite to drive through major transport and regeneration projects is coming to a close.

People have until Friday to have their say about whether Bradford should join a combined authority, along with Leeds, Calderdale, Wakefield, Kirklees and possibly York.

It could see local taxpayers paying a extra precept in their council tax bill.

A similar combined authority has been formed in Greater Manchester, and councils in South Yorkshire and the North East are also considering the move.

In West Yorkshire, it would see councils and transport body Metro pool their resources to create a £1 billion transport fund. A £400,000 fund for economic regeneration could also be set up.

Supporters argue that it would draw powers away from central Government, bringing more decision-making to the local area and allowing big transport improvements to go ahead regardless of if they cross authority boundaries.

But do councils need to form a combined authority to work together effectively?

Bradford Council leader David Green (Lab) says so.

He said: “Under Government rules, to be able to spend the money, yes.

“What we are seeking to do is to make it as flexible and light as we can. We don’t want additional layers of bureaucracy, huge numbers of staff and everything else. That’s not what we are aiming to do. This is about delivering.”

He said the new body would be more efficient with the various Government funds, and would also allow the councils to get together to plan the long-term future of the area.

But opponents are wary that the cost of the scheme could outweigh the benefits for Bradford.

Councillor Jeanette Sunderland, leader of Bradford’s Liberal Democrats, said as Bradford Council would have to contribute up to £10 million in funding, and limits were being placed on tax rises, they could be forced to cut services elsewhere.

She said: “Whilst it’s very attractive to want to invest in road schemes, the priority for me as a Liberal Democrat is around support for vulnerable people.”

Conservative leader Councillor Glen Miller said he was concerned Bradford could end up putting more money in than it got out, but that he was happy to give it a chance.