Devolution and Local Government Reform update
Norfolk has been announced as a priority area for new powers and funding.
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner announced on 5 February that Norfolk would be one of its priority areas for devolution and local government reform.
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: “I’m delighted that the Government has placed Norfolk and Suffolk on the priority programme for devolution and local government reform.
“This shows ministers’ confidence that we can deliver economic growth and jobs, building on our work on the previous devolution bid.
“To give us the time we need for the complex work of setting up a Mayoral County Combined Authority, on a very tight timescale, the Government is putting orders in place to postpone May’s County council election.
“We also have the opportunity to create a council system that is fit for the future. I hope that Norfolk’s district councils will work with the county council on local government reform, to explore how we can create the most efficient and cost-effective way of delivering the services our residents need.
“I will keep you updated as and when more detail becomes available.”
For background on the story so far, the Government’s devolution white paper and the Local Government Association’s answers to frequently asked questions, please visit www.norfolk.gov.uk/devolution.
A video explaining devolution and local government reform in Norfolk is available here.
(Source: Norfolk County Council)
