For many years Norfolk was the forgotten county. To get any investment we had to really fight our corner and in many cases we were unsuccessful.
In recent years this has started to change. The public, private and third sector are working increasing closely together to secure the best possible outcomes for Norfolk’s residents and business community.
Through the partners working together the Chamber has seen many positive changes over recent years including: A11 dualling, NDR, Norwich Cambridge Tech Corridor; investment in our universities and colleges, Kings Lynn Enterprise Zone and the Innovation Centres, to mention just a few.
However there is still a lot to be done and the UK economy is weakening with the prospect for another recession in 2020. We therefore need to ensure that we take every opportunity open to us.
As seen in BCC QES economic surveys, Norfolk businesses are not feeling confident. This is due to current weak trading conditions and uncertainty due in part to the Brexit vote.
This lack of confidence is translating into less financial investment, less job opportunities, a weaker local economy and fewer opportunities for Norfolk’s young people and residents.
However on the whole the business community believe that the Devolution deal on the table could help improve the Norfolk business environment. Suffolk, Peterborough and Cambridgeshire Councillors are all voting for the deal, but our Norfolk County Councillors are divided and may stop this happening at the end of November.
As a starting point, the Devolution deal will give us over a 30 year commitment:
- Control over a guaranteed £225m transport budget for the next 4 years.
- £30m funding over 5 years to support the building of new homes across Norfolk and Suffolk
- Over lifetime of deal 200,000 homes are expected to be delivered.
- Control over an existing c£20m annual adult skill fund
- Control of an existing c£2m annual Apprenticeship grant for employers
- Greater control and influence over transport services across Norfolk
- More control and influence over invest and maintenance in key roads
- A commitment to providing superfast broadband and improved phone reception
The Norfolk business community is not naïve. We understand that there are risks involved in the Devolution deal on the table. But they have weighed up the options of our Councillors signing this deal or walking away and we want to see Devolution deal on the table signed.
The Government is very clear that this is the way they will distribute funds in the future, we do not want Norfolk to slide back into invisibility!
If you agree with us, we need you to let your local county councillor know. You can do this by advising us who your councillor is and providing us with your comments. We will then collate all the comments and share them with each councillor. You can find out who your councillor is by going to the following place: https://www.whereilive.norfolk.gov.uk/
More details on devolution can be found on: https://www.eastangliadevo.co.uk/
