Councillors approve historic devolution deal, paving the way for major investment for Suffolk

Suffolk County Council’s cabinet has voted in favour of creating a new mayoral authority for Norfolk and Suffolk - which will bring £1 billion to the counties in the next 30 years - following overwhelming support from councillors earlier today (Thursday 2 October).

The new mayoral combined county authority (MCCA) would have access to a starting annual investment fund of £37.4 million - funded by the government. This is in addition to devolved funding from Whitehall to deliver public services.

The investment fund would enable the new mayor to support a wide range of long-term, locally-driven projects that will boost economic growth, improve infrastructure and enhance the quality of life for residents. This could include transport infrastructure, housing and education and skills.

Councillor Richard Rout, Suffolk County Council’s cabinet member for devolution, local government reform and NSIPs, said: 

“For too long, Suffolk, and indeed Norfolk, has been a devolution desert. Alongside local government reorganisation, this gives us a rare opportunity to reshape governance, improve the lives of our residents, and ensure that Suffolk has the strong, unified voice it needs – and deserves – on the national stage.

“Two weeks ago, we discussed our proposal for One Suffolk, a single unitary authority for our county. This sustainable model, effective delivery and credible voice is precisely what One Suffolk would deliver. It would be smarter simpler and better. It would be a strong voice for our county. And it would be the most effective partner for the new mayor.

“Through both devolution and local government reorganisation, we are re-shaping local governance in our county. We are setting up Suffolk for future prosperity and growth, and we are giving Suffolk that single, loud voice so that it can no longer be overlooked by those in Westminster.”

The proposal to establish an MCCA received overwhelming backing by councillors at the full council meeting – with 98% voting in favour of the motion.

Speaking during the full council meeting, Cllr Matthew Hicks, Suffolk County Council’s leader, said:

“This is a historic day. The scale and the impact of the decisions we make as a Cabinet is often significant – but there is something truly significant about today’s decision – that has the potential to be transformative for some 1.7 million residents in Suffolk and Norfolk.

“We have a unique deal on the table – one which binds devolution with an even bigger change in the form of local government reorganisation – to which we gave our strong backing just two weeks ago.

“By supporting this proposal, we are taking a bold step towards a brighter future for Suffolk and Norfolk.”

In the future, Suffolk and Norfolk will be able to access multi-year, cross government funding that would enhance the investment fund and enable better tailoring of that money to benefit local needs and opportunities.  

Earlier this week the Suffolk Business Board gave its endorsement to the proposal to create an MCCA, calling it a ‘transformative opportunity to unlock growth’.

The Business Board, comprising leaders from key sectors across the region, is spearheading a new economic strategy aimed at accelerating inward investment, job creation and skills development.

Suffolk is one of six areas on the devolution priority programme. Alongside local government reorganisation, devolution will bring in the biggest change to local government for over 50 years.

The next step in the devolution process will be for councillors at Norfolk County Council to vote on the proposal on Thursday 16 October. If they consent, government will formally lay a Statutory Instrument, enabling the MCCA to be formed.

Elections for the new mayor would then be held in May 2026.

You can watch the cabinet meeting on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMpJrEQcU0w