Norfolk & Suffolk Devolution
Public Consultation
THE CONSULTATION PERIOD IS NOW CLOSED
Online Survey Review and Analysis
Final Report - September 2016
(See/download the above report at the foot of this page - pdf file)
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At a meeting of the Borough Council on 17 November 2016
Councillors voted 44 to 14 against the devolution proposals.
This outcome would seem to put a stop to the process as a whole; for it to proceed all twelve councils involved were obliged to agree or it would fail.
Meetings to discuss the future of the Norfolk and Suffolk devolution proposals will begin shortly; West Norfolk is due to come to a decision on Thursday 17 November 2016.
If the proposals are to be adopted then all of the twelve councils concerned must agree to do so. If any one of the 12 chooses not to proceed then the whole process will fail.
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What is Devolution?
Devolution is the passing of powers, and some cases funding, from Government to a Local Authority to provide certain key services locally. In Suffolk and Norfolk these will be delivered by a Combined Authority.
What is a Combined Authority?
A Combined Authority is a legal partnership of Local Authorities, which in this case to be established with an elected Mayor. The Combined Authority will be the vehicle to deliver the devolved services in Suffolk and Norfolk. It will become in effect a fourth tier of Local Government.
What is an Elected Mayor?
The Mayor will be elected by the public and they will be responsible for helping the Combined Authority deliver its strategic functions below.
What services will be the responsibility of the Combined Authority?
Flood Defence and Coastal Management – Learning Skills, Education, Apprentices and Employment- Business Support - Health & Social Care – Public Service Reform – Housing and Planning -Transport – Electronic Communications
*This is not exhaustive as this may evolve and be added to over time
How will the Combined Authority be funded?
The Combined Authority will in part be funded by Government. It may also be funded by the retention locally of Business Rates and through your Council Tax bills as a levy.
What is the Consultation about?
You are being asked your views on the how this Combined Authority will function. Also how you would like to see the Combined Authority and Mayor held to account. This is known as the Scheme of Governance. It is also an important opportunity to put your views on Devolution and the Combined Authority to Government before the arrangement is ratified.
The Consultation closed on 23rd August 2016.