The College took a visit from MP Simon Clarke, who was appointed Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury on 27 July 2019.
Mr Clarke was in Leeds to meet with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority to discuss a deal that would see the region take control of extra powers and funding from Westminster, giving them more responsibility over local services.
A devolution deal for the Leeds City Region would empower a new metro mayor, with significant investment made available for local priorities and powers over areas such as transport and skills.
Whilst in Leeds, Mr Clarke visited the College’s South Bank Campus, where he had a tour of the facilities and spoke to staff and students about the opportunities available in the construction and built environment sector. Mr Clarke was particularly interested in how the College had benefited from the Leeds City Region Growth Deal.
The College received an £11.9m investment from the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (the LEP), delivered in partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, through the Leeds City Region Growth Deal - a £1 billion package of government investment to accelerate growth and create jobs across Leeds City Region.
The Exchequer Secretary, Simon Clarke, said:
“We are determined to level-up opportunities so that all communities, including those here in West Yorkshire, get their fair share of our future prosperity. Today we take a step forward by opening talks on a mayoral devolution deal for the Leeds City Region – right in the heart of the Northern Powerhouse. This will give local people, who know their area best, the power to shape their own destiny.”
Derek Whitehead, CEO & Principal of Leeds College of Building added:
“We were delighted to welcome Mr Clarke to the College and showcase the fantastic facilities we have at the South Bank Campus, which wouldn’t have been possible without investment from the Leeds City Region Growth Deal.”
