Government asked to explore new powers and funding for Norfolk

County councillors have backed a bid to secure new powers and funding to benefit Norfolk.

Today (Thursday 9 January), the full county council discussed and then the cabinet agreed to apply to be part of the Government's priority programme for devolution.

The Government wants to extend devolution of powers and funding, plus local government reform, across England. It invited councils to express an interest in being part of the first phase, by January 10th.

Ministers want to see a devolution deal covering Norfolk and Suffolk, with an elected mayor. They also want "two tier" areas like Norfolk - where responsibility for key services is split between county and district councils - to replace existing councils with unitary authorities.

County council leader, Councillor Kay Mason Billig, said that, while the Government was pushing councils to take a decision with "indecent haste" and to apply to postpone elections, the alternative was to be at the back of the queue for powers and funding.

She said: "This morning, as a full council, we debated devolution and joining the Government's devolution priority programme.

"Following that meeting, my cabinet met and agreed I should write to formally express Norfolk County Council's interest in being part of the Devolution Priority Programme."

She said that Norfolk is well-placed to develop devolution plans with Suffolk, due to its work on the previous Government's county deal plan and its close working relationship with Suffolk County Council.

Cllr Mason Billig said she also supported the idea of working closely with district councils, to look at the future shape of local government in Norfolk.

She said: "Ministers have said they will write to all Norfolk councils later this month, to set out their plans for local government reform. I am keen to engage with our district councils and MPs to consider what the future shape of local government in Norfolk should look like, so we can continue to deliver efficient, value for money, and accountable services to our residents."

If ministers agree to Norfolk joining the priority programme, proposals would be developed for a mayoral combined authority, covering Norfolk and Suffolk. This would include powers and funding for strategic planning, housing, transport and skills. Elections for a Norfolk and Suffolk mayor could then take place in May 2026.

Being on the devolution priority programme could lead to postponement of county council elections scheduled for May this year, so that devolution and local government reform plans could be developed.

Updates will be provided at www.norfolk.gov.uk