Consultation on devolution plans for Norfolk is now open

A consultation allowing people to have a say on how devolution will be implemented in Norfolk has now opened.

Our county has been confirmed as one of the priority areas for devolution - meaning existing councils will be abolished within a matter of years, with new unitary authorities formed.

This is likely to result in major change across Norfolk - and residents, businesses and council partners are being invited to put across their points of view.

Cllr Alistair Beales, the leader of West Norfolk Council, said: “Devolution would represent a significant change to the way national Government investment happens in Norfolk and Suffolk.

“This involves the establishment of a Strategic Authority headed by a mayor, who could be elected as soon as May 2026. The Government is currently consulting on these proposals and I encourage our residents, businesses and partners to take part so the voice of communities is heard in this process.

“Norfolk and Suffolk are on the Government’s accelerated programme for devolution, which hopefully will mean additional investment for Norfolk.

“A consequence of being on this Devolution Priority Programme is there will be local government reorganisation for all Norfolk and Suffolk authorities, which will be subject to a separate consultation and engagement process later in the year, once councils have made a submission to Government on how reorganisation could look.

“As ever, our focus is doing the best for our West Norfolk community.”

Further information about the Government's consultation, which runs from today until April 13, is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/norfolk-and-suffolk-devolutio

Otherwise, visit https://consult.communities.gov.uk/lggc/norfolk-and-suffolk-devolution-consultation/

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