Norfolk begins path to new powers and funding through devolution from Government
- 3 weeks ago
- Norfolk
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In the first of a series of articles, Andrew Jamieson, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance writes about the Devolution Priority Program.
Norfolk Conservative County councillors have backed a bid to secure new powers and funding to benefit Norfolk. This is called the Devolution Priority Program, or DPP. Devolution involves the creation of a Strategic Authority to take on the strategic roles or economic development, adult and further education, as well as housing and strategic planning in transport and infrastructure.
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. The Government is moving at pace: It invited councils to express an interest in being part of the first phase, by January 10th. We should have confirmation by the end of January whether or not we are on the Priority Programme
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 (Local Government Reorganisation (LGR).
The decision to go ahead with devolution plans is not about agreeing to Local Government Reorganisation (LGR): this will happen to us anyway under a parallel Government plan. All Councils in two tier areas, County, Borough, City and District, will receive letters from the Secretary of State by the month end requesting outline plans for LGR by end March.
We will know by the late summer whether this is a deal that does what it should: provide Norfolk and Suffolk with the financial clout to provide a long-term strategy for economic growth. But we know, because we have seen it before, that there is an early mover advantage. Time and again, new unitary authorities have received the lion share of available funding, while two tier areas were left with crumbs.
By acting as a single, visible figurehead for the area, advocating for our needs at the national and international level, Mayors should attract funding, investment, and partnerships that benefits Norfolk to a far greater degree.
Elsewhere in the country, Mayors oversee large budgets and allocate resources to projects that align with their overall regional strategy. They prioritize initiatives like regional transport networks, housing developments, and skills training programs that require coordinated action across multiple areas.
So, as a result of this move, we have the opportunity of access earlier Funding Opportunities; opportunities that will, in all likelihood, shrink over time.
: As early movers we would have greater influence on the design and implementation of devolution policies. We will also, in all likelihood, be better able to influence LGR.
Elections for a Norfolk and Suffolk mayor could then take place in May 2026.
For more information please see the English Devolution White Paper.
To watch the Full Council meeting please following this link