Norfolk County Council backs fast-tracking a devolution deal - with elections set to be postponed
County council elections look set to be postponed after members backed a bid to secure devolution for Norfolk.
Today, the full Norfolk County Council meeting discussed the matter before its cabinet agreed to apply to be part of the Government’s priority programme for devolution.
The Government invited councils to express an interest in being part of the first phase by January 10.
Ministers want to see a devolution deal covering Norfolk and Suffolk, with an elected mayor. They also want to replace existing councils with unitary authorities in ‘two tier’ areas like Norfolk.
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 can be developed.
The decision to do this has been criticised by both the leaders of West Norfolk Council and Breckland Council.
County council leader 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 added: “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 potentially then take place in May 2026.
