Almost half of people in Norfolk unsure about having elected mayor
The results of a survey on the county's devolution plan have been released
Almost half of Norfolk people are unsure whether the region would be better off with an elected leader as part of the controversial £600m devolution deal, a survey has revealed.
The results of a consultation over the county deal, which would see Norfolk County Council get an investment fund of £20m a year for 30 years and a directly-elected leader, have been unveiled.
It shows that many of the policies, including having financial responsibilities devolved from government to County Hall have broad support.
However, people were split on the need for an elected leader – akin to a mayor in places like Manchester – with 31pc disagreeing with the role and a further 17pc unsure.
Some 1,211 people and organisations responded to the consultation.
Objectors to the leader position argued it would lead to a “power grab by power-hungry politicians,” would not be accountable enough and be more expensive.
One said: “Yet more expense and governance around another election and more wasted money running a larger office.
“More bureaucracy more wasted money.”
However, supporters, which made up 50pc of respondents, argued it would allow for a local leader to have more control over budgets, is more accountable to the electorate and means Norfolk gets put first.
One supporter said: “A proactive Mayor can be a really positive influence. It works well for London and Manchester.
“If they work as strongly for Norfolk as Andy Burnham does for Manchester it will be a massive improvement.”
The responses also showed:
64pc support for devolving financial control to Norfolk
60pc agreed it would create a stronger voice for local business
65pc wanted to see control of adult education moved to the county council
55pc wanted housing and employment sites opened up
57pc agreed with the principles of devolution
Many Norfolk also councils wrote in to state objections to elements of the proposals, particularly the introduction of an elected leader.
South Norfolk, Norwich and Breckland all raised concerns while Broadland was more neutral.
However, many of the councils have seen radical shake-ups following the local elections, which could affect how they respond going forward.
For example, Broadland’s Liberal Democrats – who are likely to take on a leading role in the council – were strongly against the deal ahead of the consultation.
Norfolk’s consultation follows Cornwall’s emphatic rejection of a similar deal proposed there – with 69pc of people opposing the deal.
The consultation responses will now be brought to Norfolk County Council’s scrutiny committee at a meeting next Thursday.
Chair of scrutiny, Steve Morphew, said: “Getting Norfolk’s fair share of funding and the ability to make more key decisions locally is something that most people would want to see.
“The key question is whether the devolution deal that’s currently on the table really is the best one.
“That’s why we need to look, in detail, at what the public told us during the recent consultation and see if they have raised any issues that the council needs to explore further with the government.”
County council leader, Councillor Kay Mason Billig, thanked those who took part in the consultation.
She said: “I am keen to explore any opportunities to bring more powers and funding to Norfolk, to make it an even better place to live and work.
“Our scrutiny committee will consider the detailed findings and report back, before the cabinet considers its next steps in June.
“My stance is clear – I want to be sure that we can get the best possible outcomes for Norfolk.”