Norfolk's devolution deal moves forward with councillors to hold final vote next week
The deal would see Norfolk get a directly elected mayor as well as an investment fund worth £20m a year.
Last updated 9th Dec 2023
A devolution deal which will see Norfolk get more decision making power and funding from Westminster has moved a step forward, with councillors agreeing to move ahead with the deal.
Members of Norfolk County Council's cabinet met yesterday to agree a way forward for the deal, which would see the county get a directly elected mayor as well as an investment fund worth £20m a year.
The council will also get extra powers and funding to make decisions on transport, the regeneration of brownfield sites and skills training.
Norfolk's councillors have agreed to move forward with the current deal, with an election for a county mayor to take place in May 2025 alongside other local elections.
The full council will meet next week to approve their decision.
Norfolk County Council leader Kay Mason Billig said: “If we don’t take this step, I don’t believe the people of Norfolk will forgive us. We will be put at the back of the queue for further funding and will be left in the wilderness by Westminster.”
Deputy council leader, Councillor Andrew Jamieson, said: “I’m extremely pleased we are recommending a full level three deal, to get all of the financial benefits and the devolved powers on offer to us.”