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Norfolk and Suffolk Combined County Authority

Norfolk and Suffolk Combined County Authority

Introduction

New powers and funding to boost jobs, transport, housing and growth are coming to Norfolk and Suffolk, through the Government's devolution process.

It means:

  • The transfer of powers and funding from Whitehall, to enable decisions on jobs, skills, transport and housing to be taken in Norfolk and Suffolk
  • A £1.1 billion investment fund for 30 years, to spend on local priorities

Devolution will be delivered by the Norfolk and Suffolk Combined Authority, led by an elected Mayor.

About the mayoral election

On 4 December 2025, the Government announced that it is minded to move the election from May 2026 to May 2028.

The Government says that the delay is intended to give councils time to complete preparations for local government reorganisation and the introduction of unitary authorities in 2028.

Norfolk and Suffolk County Councils have been making extensive preparations for the mayoral elections and for the launch of the County Combined Authority next spring. We were ready to hit the ground running and start to deliver for the people of Norfolk and Suffolk.

The December 4 announcement by the Government is, therefore, extremely disappointing. We are seeking answers for what this means for our well advanced plans to set up the County Combined Authority and deliver the investment and powers that we were promised.

We will keep you posted as we receive more detail from the Government and work through the implications.

Devolution in Norfolk and Suffolk

Norfolk and Suffolk are part of the Government's Priority Programme for Devolution - leading to the creation of the new Combined County Authority and the election of a mayor.

Learn about devolution in Norfolk and Suffolk

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