Councillors accept £600 million devolution deal

County councillors have voted to accept a county deal devolution agreement with the Government, to transfer significant funding and powers to Norfolk.

Government funding will start transferring to Norfolk next summer, if councillors vote in July 2024 to stage the first election for a leader in May 2025. The deal will mean that decisions can be taken in Norfolk, for Norfolk.

County council leader Councillor Kay Mason Billig said: "This deal brings major benefits for the people of Norfolk. It means significant investment and powers to boost our economy, transport, housing, jobs and skills. And we will have a leader, elected by the public, to represent our views to the Government.

"In the New Year, we will talk to the public, businesses and key stakeholders about the benefits of the deal and how we can work together to make the most of it."

Watch a video statement from Cllr Mason Billig via YouTube.

The full council agreed the following recommendations:

Council:

• Recognises the work carried out during 2023 to consult with the public, inform Members and prepare plans in relation to the 'in-principle' County Deal brought to Council in January this year
• Commends the work undertaken by the Leader and Officers to secure additional benefits for the Norfolk County Deal and resolves that the Deal should be accepted
• Agrees that the election for the Directly Elected Leader should be held alongside the county council elections in May 2025 to enable the widest possible engagement with the electorate
• Agrees that the resolution adopting the new governance arrangements should be brought to the Full Council meeting on 23 July 2024 to facilitate that election date

For further details go to www.norfolk.gov.uk/norfolkcountydeal.

Background - what would a county deal mean?

Norfolk faces a major opportunity to gain new powers and funding from the Government, through an agreement called the County Deal.

We could make more decisions in Norfolk, for Norfolk and secure investment of more than £600m over 30 years. If councillors agree the in principle deal, it will enable us to invest in areas such as transport, skills and job opportunities, housing and regeneration, tailored to the needs of local people.

A County Deal would mean:

• Having a Council Leader who is directly elected by the public, enabling Norfolk's voice to be heard by the Government
• Targeting funding and resources to Norfolk's own priorities
• Unlocking housing and employment sites
• Investing in the skills we need and attracting and retaining key businesses
• Opening the door to more - further powers and funding in future