Understand
Norfolk and Suffolk disagree over £1bn devolution deal and mayoral election timeline
Overview
Norfolk and Suffolk county councils are divided over a £1bn devolution deal and the timeline for upcoming mayoral elections. Norfolk's Reform UK leaders have urged the government to bring the mayoral vote forward to 2027 and speed up the combined authority setup. However, Suffolk County Council leader Michael Hadwen wants more time to prepare and is seeking a fresh deal to ensure equal funding and partnership between the two counties.
Key points
- Norfolk County Council wants mayoral elections brought forward to 2027 and devolution progressed as quickly as possible.
- Suffolk County Council disagrees with speeding up the timeline and wants more time to ensure the authority is set up properly.
- Suffolk is finalising a fresh deal to guarantee equal funding and equal partnership with Norfolk under the combined authority.
- The £1bn devolution deal includes a 30-year investment fund and a shared mayoralty covering both counties.
- Mayoral elections were previously delayed to May 2028 and some candidates have already withdrawn from the race.