Update on devolution talks with the Government

Following the Government's decision to halt the £600 million devolution deal that Norfolk County Council had agreed with the previous administration, county council leader Kay Mason Billig has had talks with Local Government Minister Jim McMahon on a new way forward.

Cllr Mason Billig said: "We had a very good and detailed meeting with the minister. We discussed issues which were pertinent to Norfolk, the challenges we face and our aspirations for the future. There was a general accord that we should look for ways to deliver devolution for the county.

"The Government will not allow our previously negotiated level three deal to go ahead and have expressed a preference for a more regional approach in East Anglia

"However, there is still the potential for a level two deal for Norfolk, which would give us the adult skills funding, whilst we continue to explore further routes to devolution.

"Norfolk County Council agreed at its last full council meeting to talk to the Government to ensure as many positive aspects of our previous ambitious deal could be recovered, and that Norfolk did not move to the back of the queue.

"With that in mind, we will continue to pursue devolution options which are in the best interests of our county and will be having ongoing discussions with the Minister about what the next steps could be. As soon as we have further information and something which can be agreed we will let everyone know."