Chris Young

Northern plans to end its Hull–Leeds–Bradford–Halifax service at Leeds because persistent delays have led to trains being terminated early. Passengers travelling from Bradford to Hull would need to change trains at Leeds, and a Leeds councillor warns the withdrawal could create a gap in peak morning services at Pudsey. Northern says other routes would be improved, including extending the Bradford–Halifax–Huddersfield service to Leeds. The proposals are being discussed with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

Bradford Council leader Stephen Place ruled out freezing or cutting council tax in the next two years, despite saying he would like to reduce bills. The council’s improved financial position depends on annual council tax increases of 4.99%, following its receipt of Exceptional Financial Support after facing a serious risk of insolvency in 2024. The support allowed borrowing for day-to-day operations but required asset sales and specified tax rises. Place said a reduction was not permitted under the support arrangements, while Labour councillor Suhail Choudhry questioned why a tax freeze was not possible given the council’s earlier-than-expected exit from the scheme and increased government funding.

West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin welcomed the UK Government’s planned £2 cap on single bus fares across England, saying lower prices could encourage more people to use public transport. The cap is due to begin in January and continue through the end of 2027, replacing West Yorkshire’s current £2.50 Mayor’s Fares limit with a lower national maximum. Brabin said discussions were expected about extending government support beyond 2027. The report also notes Chancellor John Healey’s pledge to support businesses and Treasury minister Emma Reynolds’s assertion that the fare policy is fully funded.