THE response of West Yorkshire residents to a consultation on devolution has been praised by Council bosses.

The Consultation into plans for West Yorkshire to get devolved powers and its own elected mayor ended this month, with around 4,500 people having responded.

At a meeting of West Yorkshire Combined Authority on Monday, members hear that this was treble the numbers of people who had responded to other, similar devolution consultations in England.

Officers are currently going through the responses, and the results of the consultation will be revealed in the coming months.

Devolution to be supported ‘with gusto’ as part of Coronavirus recovery - minister tells T&A

Alan Reiss, director of strategy and communications, said: "We're analysing responses at the moment and will bring forward much more detailed results in the future."

The first Mayoral election will be held next May.

The deal will also give new investment and powers for the region in important areas such as transport, adult education and skills, and economic recovery from COVID-19. 

At Monday's meeting Bradford Council Leader and Chair of the Combined Authority Susan Hinchcliffe, praised officers for ensuring as many people as possible were able to have their say during a period of pandemic and lockdown.

She said: “We were concerned going into the consultation if, with Covid, people would have the opportunity to have their say.

“Now let’s see what people have to say.”