Suffolk County Council's leader will meet with the government's devolution minister tomorrow to discuss potential new powers for the region. It follows September's controversial scrapping of a £500 million devolution deal for the county.
Why it matters: The outcome could reshape how local services are delivered and funded in Suffolk, with major implications for:
Local decision-making on housing, transport and adult education
Council tax rates
Public service funding
The big picture: Tomorrow's talks come just two months after Labour scrapped the previous deal, which would have provided:
£480 million investment over 30 years
Control of the £9.4 million annual Adult Education Budget
£5.8 million for brownfield site development
Multi-year transport funding
What they said: Speaking at the time, Ipswich MP Jack Abbott stated: "The reality is, the deal put on the table by the previous Conservative government shortchanged Suffolk and created a bizarre political settlement.
Cllr Matthew Hicks, Leader of Suffolk County Council, strongly disagreed and expressed his dismay over the decision to scrap the deal. At the time, he said, “This feels like a real slap in the face for Suffolk from a Government that won’t listen to what local people are saying. Our proposed devolution deal—which has widespread public support—is in the bin.”
What's new: Following initial discussions in October, Hicks has written to the minister outlining Suffolk's position on new devolution proposals.
Key concerns: The council has highlighted several issues with the government's initial proposals:
Plans for cross-county combined authorities could increase bureaucracy and council tax bills
No clear additional funding opportunities, unlike the previous £500 million deal
Risk of geographic bias with a mayor covering multiple counties
Failure to address funding inequities in social care, education, and transport
Lack of guarantees for key infrastructure projects, including Haughley and Ely rail junctions
What's next: Hicks will meet with Jim McMahon MP, minister for local government and English devolution, on Wednesday, 13 November.
The bottom line: While Suffolk County Council is willing to explore new devolution options, there's clear tension between the government's vision for larger combined authorities and the council's desire to avoid additional costs for residents. To gain local support, any new deal would likely need to exceed the £500 million funding promised in the scrapped agreement.
