Eastern Powerhouse counties Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire 'to get elected mayor'

Devolving powers from Whitehall could help boost transport links to the region's key cities such as Norwich

An elected regional mayor covering the three counties of Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Suffolk is set to announced by the government.

The BBC has learnt all three county councils and all but one district authority have agreed plans which will devolve some powers from Whitehall.

The mayor could have extra powers and a budget for major transport infrastructure projects.

It is part of the plans to create a so-called Eastern Powerhouse.

The government and local councils have been in discussion about the plans for many months.

The mayor could have extra powers and a budget for major transport infrastructure projects

The scheme was first proposed by councils in Norfolk and Suffolk, but the government wanted Cambridgeshire to be part of the plan.

A final deal was completed on Thursday night, the BBC understands, which was agreed by all county and district councils apart from Cambridge City Council.

Details of the powers to be devolved are set to be announced next week, but are expected to include infrastructure and planning powers.

They could later include provision to make decisions on health and social care issues.

George Nobbs, leader of Norfolk County Council, said he would welcome any devolution.

Councillors and business leaders from Norfolk and Suffolk met government officials to discuss their devolution plans

"The advantages are enormous." he said. "It means decisions now taken in Whitehall, will be taken here in East Anglia.

"I think anyone would say, that provided we have the resources, the decisions are better taken here."

Lewis Herbert, leader of Cambridge City Council, said the authority had decided not to take part in the "rushed government" scheme because it was "not the right deal for Cambridge".

"A far better approach would be a deal for Greater Cambridge and Greater Peterborough, as a position supported by all our local business networks," he said.

The Department for Communities and Local Government spokesman said: "The government welcomes any proposals and discussions which deliver better local services, greater value for money and stronger local leadership."