Devolution Update
There has recently been a lot of reports in the media regarding a possible devolution deal for Suffolk. So, I am writing to provide you with an update on the current status of Devolution and how it may impact Suffolk in the coming months.
The Government recently published the English Devolution White Paper, setting out plans for broader and deeper devolution alongside proposals for local government reorganisation. These changes could represent a significant shift in how local services are delivered and how councils operate.
The key elements of the proposals include:
Local Government Reorganisation: A move away from the current two-tier system of district, borough, and county councils towards unitary councils. Unitary councils are intended to serve populations of 500,000 or more, with some exceptions. The government believes this change will streamline decision-making, save taxpayer money, and enable greater resilience in challenging economic times.
New Mayoral Authorities: Proposals for directly elected Mayors with powers over strategic areas such as transport, health, and emergency services, potentially covering larger regions like Norfolk and Suffolk.
The Government has requested that Suffolk County Council indicate by 10 January 2025 if we wish to be part of the Devolution Priority Programme. This decision will be informed by two critical meetings scheduled for 9 January 2025:
Extraordinary Full Council Meeting: All 75 councillors will debate and vote on a proposal to recommend that Suffolk is at the forefront of the programme.
Cabinet Meeting: Following the Full Council debate, the Cabinet will make the final decision.
The discussions on 9 January will be pivotal in determining Suffolk’s position on devolution and the shape of local government in the future. Rest assured and speaking as your local County Councillor and as a member of the Cabinet, no decisions have been made yet, and the upcoming meetings will provide an opportunity for thorough debate and scrutiny.