Norfolk County Council renews support for a Norfolk and Suffolk mayoral authority, promising greater local powers and long-term investment opportunities.
Plans to create a new mayoral authority covering Norfolk and Suffolk have taken another significant step forward after Norfolk County Council renewed its formal backing for the proposals.
The devolution agreement could bring more than £1 billion of government investment to the two counties over the next 30 years, alongside greater local control over major decisions.
Under the proposals, a directly elected mayor would lead a new strategic authority responsible for areas including transport, infrastructure, housing, economic development and adult education.
The deal includes an annual investment fund of approximately £37.4 million, which could be used to support projects designed to improve economic growth and public services.
Supporters argue that transferring powers from central government would allow decisions to be made closer to the communities affected, rather than relying on ministers in Westminster.
Norfolk County Council has now reaffirmed its commitment to establishing the new authority.
However, the proposals cannot proceed without the agreement of Suffolk County Council, which is seeking further assurances about funding arrangements and fair representation between the two counties.
Suffolk councillors are expected to reconsider their position in November after postponing an earlier decision.
The first mayoral election is currently scheduled for May 2028, although there have been discussions about bringing the date forward.
Further approvals will be required before the new authority can be formally established.
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