There are only 9 days left for businesses to have their say on the Norfolk & Suffolk Devolution deal.
Devolution is about giving our region greater control over key areas of our economy such as spending on roads and transport links, housing, skills and social care.
Caroline Williams, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chamber said:
“The Norfolk Chamber Board is strongly in support of the concept of Devolution and what it can do for Norfolk and Suffolk’s economy. Historically, Norfolk has lagged behind the rest of the UK in terms of investment but we are at last starting to be recognised as a growth area and need to build on this.
“Devolution offers Norfolk a prime opportunity to secure a funding to enable the business community to deliver greater economic growth, jobs and a better future for Norfolk as a whole, whilst have the ability to make decisions at a local level. What is on the table is not ideal, but it is what we have to work with right now. It is also only the starting point to help bring additional investment into our county. We need the business community to be heard on this issue loud and clear.”
Norfolk is undertaking consultation into the devolution ‘deal’ before it is finally taken to Government for approval. It is vitally important that the government is aware of the level of support from the business community and we would ask Norfolk businesses to take action in two ways:
1. Submit your own letter of support. Click here for a suggested outline template for your letter. Please forward your letter electronically to:[email protected]
2. Take few minutes to complete the online Devolution consultation – take part now
Our region is on the verge of securing from Government a transformational change in the way our economy operates, which includes the biggest devolution of decision-making for a generation and a significant package of new investment for the Norfolk and Suffolk economy.
This includes:
- £25m a year for 30yrs to invest in new infrastructure and growth projects. (Total of £750m, of which 40% is revenue spending against which we can borrow further significant sums)
- £130m for new homes
- Local control over a £225m transport budget and £20m skills budget
Devolution will help to realise the ambition to boost the economy of the East to over £43billion.
The deadline for this first stage of business support is 23 August 2016 – add your voice to that of the Norfolk Chamber by taking action now.
