Tracy Brabin has written an open letter to the people of West Yorkshire as she reflects on two years as mayor. 

The politician, who represents the Labour and Co-Operative party, is the first woman to hold a Metro Mayor role in England.

The 1,000 word letter tells the electorate about Ms Brabin’s visions for West Yorkshire as well as policies and plans already put in place. 

Here’s everything you need to know about the letter in brief. 

Childhood 

Ms Brabin tells readers that she grew up in a two-bed council flat in Birstall. “I know what it’s like to vote in an election with hope for a better life – and a better West Yorkshire – on the other side,” the Mayor wrote.

“Be assured that your hope has not been taken for granted. It’s been converted into real change for our communities – whether that’s cheaper buses on our roads, more police officers on our streets, or cold hard cash to make life easier in the cost of living crisis.”

The cost of living crisis 

The Mayor claims devolution has allowed local authorities to better help families affected by the cost of living crisis. 

The Mayor’s Cost of Living Emergency Fund - funded by West Yorkshire Combined Authority - was announced in October 2022. It offered £3 million over the next 18 months to deal with issues such as food poverty and mental health. 

As part of the retrofit scheme for cold and draughty homes, she claims 1,700 rented homes have been made warmer and a further 2,400 scheduled for renovations.

Buses 

West Yorkshire is the first region in the country to cap bus fares at £2, the Mayor writes, reducing the cost of a day ticket to £4.50.  

Ms Brabin said: “But it’s no good having a cheaper service if it doesn’t run on time. That’s why I’ve spent the past two years laying the groundwork for a greener, more reliable, better connected public transport system. 

“We’ve been refurbishing bus and rail stations across the region, while building a brand-new rail stop at the White Rose Centre in Leeds. These are real, material differences which will give people better access to transport links.

“I’m determined to end the injustice of West Yorkshire remaining the largest city region in Western Europe without a joined-up, metro-style transport system with trams or light rail, and have secured almost £1bn for new transport infrastructure to do just that.

Safety  

West Yorkshire Combined Authority has secured more than £200,000 for its Safety of Women at Night Fund - it will be used towards a bus safety app and training for workers in the night-time economy.

Stalking 

A new stalking advocacy service – one of the first of its kind in the country – has helped over 500 women and girls since launching in 2022.

The service is free and confidential, and victims don’t need to have reported to the police to access support.

To get support victims can call 0300 3730978 or email WY_ISAC_Service@victimsupport.org.uk.

They can also contact the charity’s national 24/7 support line on 08 08 16 89 111.

Climate change  

West Yorkshire Combined Authority has invested £40 million into its Climate and Environment Action Plan. 

Plans include building thousands of new, energy efficient homes and grants for Net Zero community projects.

Culture 

Ms Brabin references Bradford’s City of Culture 2025 win as contributing to “a creative crucible in West Yorkshire”.

TransPennine Express’ contract stripped

The train company has had its contract to run rail services in the North of England taken away. Ms Brabin claims this is due to “the power of devolution when our region comes together to demand a voice”.