About the Norfolk and Suffolk Combined County Authority
The Norfolk and Suffolk Combined County Authority will be a formal partnership between Norfolk County County, Suffolk County Council, and the elected Mayor. This will enable collaboration on major strategic priorities that affect the whole region. This will include:
- Transport and local infrastructure
- Skills and employment support
- Housing and strategic planning
- Economic development and regeneration
- Environment and climate change
- Health, wellbeing and public service reform
- Public safety
Council leaders from Norfolk County Council and Suffolk County Council will sit on the Combined County Authority alongside the Mayor, who will act as Chair once elected. Council leaders are also elected by the public and then nominated to the role by their council, whilst the Mayor will be directly elected by residents from both counties.
The Combined County Authority will meet regularly. These meetings will be open to the public and will provide a platform for transparent decision-making.
Some powers will be held collectively by the Combined County Authority, while others will be exercised directly by the Mayor.
Transport and local infrastructure
The Combined County Authority will take on the functions of the Local Transport Authority, working with partners to maintain and improve transport infrastructure across the Combined County Authority's area.
The Mayor will be responsible for the Local Transport Plan, creating a single transport strategy across the Combined County Authority's area. Similarly, the Mayor will be required to define and coordinate a Key Route Network of which they will oversee the network's management.
Skills and employment support
The Combined County Authority will be expected to produce a Get Britain Working Plan, aimed at tackling economic inactivity in their area and supporting the creation and long-term sustainability of jobs across the region.
The Combined County Authority will also benefit from the devolution of the Adult Skills Fund, meaning the authority will have more control over supporting adults aged 19 and over in gaining the skills needed to enter, sustain or progress in work or further education.
Housing and strategic planning
The Mayor will have a statutory duty to produce a Spatial Development Strategy (SDS), setting out a long-term plan for land use and growth across Norfolk and Suffolk.
Housing and regeneration powers will be shared with national bodies such as Homes England. The Mayor can exercise powers to acquire land for development, but there are consultation requirements the Mayor must adhere to, such as consulting the relevant local council.
The Combined County Authority will work to unlock land for new homes, revitalise town centres, and tackle issues like empty properties - supported by regional investment funds.
Economic development and regeneration
Supporting local business will be a key priority for the Combined County Authority. This will include:
- Investment in start-ups
- Supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with finance
- Improving infrastructure to boost job creation, productivity and living standards
The Combined County Authority will establish a Local Growth Plan. This plan will provide investment to enable sustainable and inclusive growth, recognising Norfolk and Suffolk's unique mix of urban, rural, and coastal communities. It will aim to drive growth in key sectors and clusters. For example, clean energy, agri-food, financial services, advanced manufacturing and engineering, and digital technology.
The Combined County Authority will work closely with a Norfolk and Suffolk Business Board. This will bring together public and private sector leaders to drive investment and economic development. It will also ensure a thriving innovation ecosystem in Norfolk and Suffolk by:
- Delivering a Local Innovation Action Plan
- Working closely with Government, business, and academia
- Promoting collaboration
- Providing targeted business support
- Increasing engagement to build on sector strengths and innovative clusters
Attracting inward investment will be a key role, offering a streamlined approach to businesses looking to invest in Norfolk and Suffolk. This includes potential Investment Zones with simplified regulations and tax incentives to draw foreign direct investment.
Environment and climate change
Norfolk and Suffolk will set out a clear sustainable pathway to improve resilience of our environment, businesses and communities by:
- Increasing nature
- Improving energy availability, water availability, and water quality
- Supporting warm homes across the region
The Combined County Authority will work with residents, businesses, and public sector organisations to support sustainable growth. This will include investment in green infrastructure, integrated water solutions, sustainable transport, and climate resilience.
Health, wellbeing and public service reform
Health and social care in Norfolk and Suffolk will continue to be delivered through partnerships between the NHS, local councils, and other organisations. These partners will work together to improve health outcomes and reduce inequalities across the region.
The Mayor will not be directly responsible for health and social care services, but the Government expects existing health partnerships, such as the Integrated Care Board, to consult with the Mayor. The Combined County Authority will be expected to have regard to improving the health and wellbeing of their residents and reduce health inequalities when exercising functions.
The Combined County Authority will aim to make public services more effective by encouraging collaboration between organisations such as the police, fire service, NHS, and councils.
It is also anticipated that the Mayor will take on the Police and Crime Commissioner role for the Combined County Authority's area, as well as Fire Authority functions. These two roles are subject to further legislation.
What the Combined County Authority will not be responsible for
The Mayor and the Combined County Authority will not replace the county and district councils of Norfolk and Suffolk.
Local councils will continue to be responsible for day-to-day services, like council housing, schools, social services, waste collection, street cleaning, parking permits and council tax collection.
Central government will continue to lead on many policy areas, including most forms of taxation.
