An influential group of council leaders in West Yorkshire are still planning for the effects of a no-deal Brexit, a meeting heard today.

The West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA), which oversees transport and large infrastructure projects in the region, met today to discuss how it is planning for the UK’s exit from the European Union, which is planned for March 29, 2019.

Managing director of WYCA Ben Still told the meeting that all eventualities were being planned for but, such is the current uncertainty, a no-deal Brexit could not be ruled out.

He said: “We have put together implications for a no-deal scenario, and that is still probably a sensible thing to consider.

“We do have flexibility with funds, but we are engaging with central government. We are making continued efforts to get firms to invest in the city region from overseas.”

Prime Minister Theresa May called off a parliamentary vote on a proposed Brexit deal earlier this week. A vote on an updated deal is now expected to take place in the new year.

Leader of Bradford Council Susan Hinchcliffe said: “It is pretty chaotic nationally, but we are doing our best in the region to ensure we have a steady ship and it benefits as many people as possible.

“We need to make sure we are resilient – regardless of what happens nationally, we need to make sure we get transport and skills right.”

She added that the UK Prosperity Fund – a proposed national fund which would replace EU funding for infrastructure projects after Brexit – would be important for the region in the future.

Coun Hinchcliffe added later: “We need to work together, albeit in such a febrile national political climate that we cannot control.”

WYCA members were also given a report from officers into organisational work to support preparations for the UK’s exit from the European Union.

York City Council deputy leader Andrew Waller said: “It is an important paper to show to residents to make sure we are doing what we can amid the uncertainty.

“We do need to look further ahead. There will be life beyond March 29 next year.”

Leeds City Council leader Judith Blake said: “We need to give reassurance that there is a great deal of work going on behind the scenes preparing for all the different scenarios.

“Local governments have an important role to play.”