Devolution FAQs

Other parts of England have used devolved powers to:

• Secure long-term investment funding
• Develop integrated transport networks
• Improve coordination between economic growth and skills programmes.
• Attract inward investment
• Increase local influence over Government decisions
• Deliver locally tailored solutions to regional challenges
• Agree bespoke arrangements with Government agencies such as Homes England and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)
• Support more joined-up approaches to community safety, public health and public service reform

While every area is different and outcomes vary, experience elsewhere suggests that devolution can help areas coordinate investment, transport, skills and economic growth more effectively.

No. The Mayor's role complements existing democratic structures rather than replacing them, by providing leadership at a Norfolk and Suffolk level on strategic issues that affect the area as a whole.

Local councillors, council leaders and local councils will continue to represent communities and deliver local services.

Existing civic and ceremonial mayors would continue unless any future changes arise through separate Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) arrangements.

Transport is expected to be one of the most significant areas of devolved responsibility.

The MSA could play a greater role in:

• Developing a long-term transport strategy (the Local Transport Plan) for Norfolk and Suffolk
• Coordinating transport investment across county boundaries
• Supporting improvements to bus services and public transport networks
• Working with Government, transport providers and rail operators to improve regional connectivity.
• Prioritising major road and infrastructure schemes
• Supporting active travel and sustainable transport initiatives
• Securing additional transport funding for the region

The MSA will provide strategic leadership on transport issues that affect Norfolk and Suffolk as a whole. It will not take over day-to-day highway's operations from councils.

What will remain with local councils?

Local councils (County Councils/future unitary councils) will continue to be responsible for operational functions such as:

• Highway maintenance
• Day-to-day service delivery
• Local traffic management
• Community transport initiatives

Delivery of transport projects within their areasIn simple terms, the MSA would focus on regional transport strategy, while councils would continue tofocus on local transport delivery.

The MSA is expected to take a greater role in shaping skills and employment priorities across Norfolk and Suffolk. This could include:

• Adult Skills funding
• Employment support programmes
• Workforce development initiatives
• Skills investment
• Apprenticeship support
• Retraining opportunities for adults
• Working with colleges, universities and training providers
• Working with employers to address skills shortages

The objective is to better align training opportunities with the needs of the local economy. For example, if Norfolk and Suffolk require additional skills in the sectors which are considered regionally as key sectors, such as:

• Clean energy
• Manufacturing
• Construction
• Engineering
• Digital technology
• Health and care

Greater local influence over skills funding should allow training opportunities to be better matched to local employment needs.

Economic growth and regeneration are expected to be key responsibilities of the MSA. This could include:

• Supporting business growth through the Growth Hub
• Attracting inward investment
• Coordinating infrastructure investment
• Supporting town centre regeneration
• Working with key sectors across Norfolk and Suffolk
• Developing regional growth strategies
• Securing Government funding opportunities

A regional approach may help Norfolk and Suffolk compete more effectively for investment while supporting sustainable economic growth.

Once established, the MSA would become the legal body responsible for the functions and responsibilities set out in the relevant legislation and governance arrangements.

Initially, it would have a Board made up of the constituent council members. The Board would continue with existing membership once the Mayor is elected.

The Mayor will be held accountable through a combination of democratic, governance and financial controls.

The location of the Mayor’s headquarters is yet to be determined. 

Funding for the MSA may come from a combination of:

• Government grants
• devolved funding
• settlements, specific programme funding
• a mayoral precept (where permitted by legislation)

A mayoral precept is effectively a new local tax raised by the Mayor.

In addition, Government is considering additional fiscal devolution.

No. The creation of a MSA does not automatically increase or reduce council tax. Any future changes would be subject to the relevant legal and budget-setting processes.