Decision due in September on devolution plans
Councillors in Norfolk and Suffolk will vote in September whether to support a deal to boost jobs, skills, transport and housing.
If approved, the Government's proposed devolution deal would see powers and funding transferred from Whitehall to a new Norfolk and Suffolk combined authority, led by an elected mayor.
The news comes as Norfolk County Council's strategic and corporate select committee considers a report on preparations for devolution.
Councillor Kay Mason Billig, leader of Norfolk County Council, said: "Our two councils have been working together to prepare for devolution, subject to receiving more detail from the Government on powers and funding for infrastructure, housing, economic development, jobs and skills.
"Once we have that clarity, we will vote in September on whether to proceed."
A devolution bill, which sets out more detail of the powers each area would receive, is expected to be published by the Government shortly.
If the two county councils vote in favour in September, the Government would start the Parliamentary process in the winter to set up a combined authority early next year. A Norfolk and Suffolk mayor would be elected in May 2026.
The strategic and corporate select committee meets at 10am on Wednesday 16 July. Read the report and watch the meeting, live or afterwards, in 16 July meeting details.
Background
The report says the Government's devolution white paper "provides for the transfer of significant resources and powers from central Government to Norfolk and Suffolk, including for infrastructure, housing, economic development and employment and skills.
"It means that decisions previously taken centrally can, in the future, be taken closer to the people affected.
"Devolution should positively impact on the lives of residents, by bringing much-needed investment, helping create more jobs, improving people's skills and employment prospects and boosting both counties' productivity.
"With devolved powers, we can make sure that the housing needed to support this growth is connected to the right infrastructure such as roads, rail and digital connectivity."
