Decision on £600m devolution deal for Norfolk postponed

The decision surrounding a devolution deal that would see Norfolk County Council change its model of governance to allow for a directly-elected council leader has been postponed. 

Councillors were set to vote on the plans this week but have chosen to delay a decision on the matter following the General Election earlier this month. 

The county deal, agreed in principle in December 2022, includes an investment fund of £20m a year for the county for 30 years, local control of the £12m budget for adult education, and £7m to kickstart housing on brownfield sites, also giving the council additional powers.

Kay Mason-Billig, leader of the council, said: "I'm still getting the same encouragement from the Labour government as I was from the Conservatives on devolution. 

"However, they want to do it their own way. Let us hope the new government show their commitment to Norfolk so we can have a seat at the table."

Mrs Mason-Billig said she was advised by government officials to postpone the decision until later in the year and expects discussions to advance in September. 

Council leader Kay Mason Billig (Image: Norfolk County Council)

Brian Watkins, leader of the Liberal Democrats, the largest opposition group on the council, agreed that it would be "unwise" to press forward with the decision this week.

He said: "This is not the beginning of the end, rather it is just the end of the beginning.

"It is still all to play for - we have come a long way but we must not be afraid to set our sights still higher."

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Brian Watkins, leader of the Liberal Democrats at Norfolk County Council (Image: Liberal Democrats)

Other group leaders on the council echoed his message and expressed hopes that there would be changes to the deal as talks with the new government get under way. 

Steve Morphew, leader of the Labour group (Image: Denise Bradley)

Steve Morphew, head of the Labour group, said: "I've been very critical of the deal because it is not good enough and doesn't reflect the ambition we should have. I welcome the opportunity to go back and try again."