County Hall backs devolution
County Hall has formally backed a £1.1bn devolution deal for Norfolk and Suffolk, but the plans still depend on its neighbour agreeing next month.
Last updated 27th Oct 2026
County Hall has formally backed a £1.1bn devolution deal for Norfolk and Suffolk, but the plans still depend on its neighbour agreeing next month.
Robin Hunter-Clarke, Norfolk County Council’s Reform deputy leader, has signed the decision renewing Norfolk’s consent to create a Norfolk and Suffolk Mayoral Strategic Authority.
The new body would take control of transport, skills, housing and economic growth, and would be led by an elected mayor.
The first mayoral election is currently scheduled for May 2028, although there have been calls for the plans to be brought forward to 2027.
The deal includes a £37.4m-a-year investment fund, which the council says is worth more than £1.1bn in the long term.
The powers and funding remain subject to statutory approval and confirmation of the final amounts.
Norfolk had to renew its consent because the government changed its mayoral election timetable and the national devolution framework.
Mr Hunter-Clarke said: “Norfolk and Suffolk deserve a stronger voice and greater control over the decisions that shape our future. We have agreed to renew Norfolk’s consent because devolution offers the opportunity to bring more power and investment closer to our communities."
“A Mayoral Strategic Authority for Norfolk and Suffolk would bring the strengths of both counties together to support long-term economic growth."
“Our ambition is to back local businesses, improve transport and infrastructure, and help people gain the skills to secure better jobs. We want an authority that is accountable to residents and makes every pound work harder for taxpayers."
“We will continue working closely with Suffolk and the Government as the remaining decisions and approvals are considered.”
The deal cannot go ahead unless Suffolk County Council, which is also Reform-led, gives its consent.
Suffolk’s cabinet had been due to decide this month, but postponed the decision until November 12.
Its leader, Michael Hadwen, has been seeking assurances that Suffolk will be an “equal partner”, including a commitment that no more is spent in Norfolk than in Suffolk.
He wants a commitment that no more is spent in Norfolk than in Suffolk, and that if the mayor comes from Norfolk, the deputy mayor comes from Suffolk.
The decision comes despite calls from opposition councillors for a special meeting of the full council to debate the deal first.
Green councillor Ben Price and Conservative group leader Kay Mason Billig made the call at a County Hall meeting last week, but Mrs Mason Billig’s motion was lost in a vote.