Suffolk targets devolution talks with the government

Local leaders in Suffolk have welcomed early discussions with the government about a possible devolution deal for the region.

The government wrote to councils in July 2021, setting out its ambition to make available to county areas the kind of devolved decision-making powers and public funding currently enjoyed by larger cities and urban areas.

In a joint letter sent to Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick, the leaders of all of Suffolk’s six councils and Police and Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore, said that Suffolk is an ‘ideal place to help government demonstrate how levelling up can work in diverse geographies’ and confirmed that they would welcome early discussions with MHCLG ministers to ‘explore proposals for a County Deal’ ahead of the White Paper being published later this year.

It is understood that Suffolk’s approach involving all councils is rare among other expressions of interest being submitted to government, a point that has been welcomed by the county’s seven MPs.

Suzie Morley, leader of Mid Suffolk District Council and chair of the Suffolk Public Sector Leaders group, said: “Suffolk is known for working well together. Whether it’s partners joining forces during the Covid-19 pandemic, pooling public funding for the greater good or developing shared strategic priorities, collaboration is what we’re good at.

“From inclusive economic growth and community safety to climate change and strong communities, we’re focused on collaborative actions that deliver the biggest and best additional benefits for our communities. We believe this makes Suffolk a strong contender to work with the government as part of its Levelling Up agenda.”