(16th January 2025)

The big news to share is the plans for Devolution and Local Authority Reorganisation. Devolution is when Central Government devolve powers to an authority of a particular size with an elected Mayor who will oversee all decisions made. The elected Mayor would then have a seat within central government. Norfolk County Council has expressed an interest and if successful would see them combine with Suffolk County Council. Local Authority Reorganisation will see the District and Borough Councils that come under Norfolk and Suffolk reorganised to create 1, 2 or 3 large authorities which would include the combined Norfolk and Suffolk County Councils. This is a massive reorganisation with a short time frame to come up with a suitable proposal for Central Government to review and either amend or accept. As a result of this, County Council elections have been postponed, this is not to interfere with democratic processes but if Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation progresses it could see the election of a Mayor in 2026 and all Councillors will cease in their roles and will then need to be considered for re-election, the decision to postpone is to save tax payers money as there will be an election once the Mayor is elected.