Public consultation on possible Suffolk devolution deal opens

The deal in principle was signed in December 2022

Extra funding and powers could be transferred to Suffolk if a devolution deal with the government is signed off.

A public consultation is running until 26 May, with a final decision expected in July.

A deal could see Suffolk County Council get an extra £16m a year for the next three decades, control over the adult education budget and £5.8m to prepare brownfield sites for development.

The public would elect a leader of the council.

Unlike under some other devolution deals, there would not be a mayor for Suffolk, with the new leader carrying out the same roles as the current leader.

At the moment, the leader is selected by councillors, but the first public vote for the role would take place on 1 May 2025 if devolution were to go ahead.

The council said that if the devolution deal was not signed off, the extra £480m of funding over 30 years would not go to Suffolk.

The extra funding would not be linked to inflation, however, so its relative value would be likely to decline over that period.

Under the deal, the adult education budget would be controlled by Suffolk, meaning the council could decide which type of courses to fund.

The one-off £5.8m for developing brownfield sites could be used to clear up old industrial areas to make them more attractive for developers.

Matthew Hicks became council leader in May 2018

Matthew Hicks, leader of the council, said: "This is an important and empowering decision about the future we want for Suffolk. A decision of this significance deserves considered input from the broadest range of people possible, which is why the consultation is open for 10 weeks.

"I urge everyone to take time to read the details of the deal and then complete [the survey] to have their say in this consultation."

It's unclear what would happen to the deal if there were to be a change in government in the meantime.

A final decision about whether to go forward with the deal is due in July, when councillors will vote on the plan.