Devolution plans for Norfolk and Suffolk scrapped

Both Norfolk and Suffolk County councils are run by the Conservatives so, not surprisingly, they are angry.

Matthew Hicks, the leader of Suffolk County Council called the news “a slap in the face” saying the deal had widespread public support.

“Governments of any colour should be pro devolution because councils know how best to serve local people” he said.

Kay Mason Billig the leader of Norfolk County Council said she was “bitterly dissappointed”

“For a government that is keen on economic growth, this is a short sighted and damaging decision, Norfolk deserves better than this”

Both leaders complained that they had not had a chance to meet ministers to discuss the plans. They called for urgent talks to try to salvage as much of the deal as possible.

The Liberal Democrat MP for North Norfolk, Steffan Aquarone, who is also a county councillor said “Our fantastic county has felt overlooked by successive governments, and today we are seeing it happen yet again”

“I am concerned that this is trying to pave the way for bundling Norfolk and Suffolk into an ill-fitting shared devolution deal”

But these deals also had their critics who see this as an opportunity to get a better deal for the two counties.

Steve Morphew, the Labour opposition leader on Norfolk County council said “Nobody should be mourning what was always a second rate deal”

“Now we have a real opportunity to negotiate with a government that wants us to be ambitious and fulfil Norfolk’s potential”