The Mayoral election for Norfolk and Suffolk will take place in May 2028.
What is devolution?
Devolution is different to Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), which involves new unitary councils replacing the county council, district and borough councils in Suffolk from April 2028.
Devolution is about greater decision-making powers being devolved from central government to local regions. For Norfolk and Suffolk, this will involve the creation of a new Mayoral Strategic Authority (MSA) led by an elected Mayor.
The government published its English Devolution White Paper in December 2024 explaining the benefits of devolution.
Responsibilities of the MSA
The MSA for Norfolk and Suffolk will take responsibility for regional policy on a range of matters, including:
- transport and infrastructure
- skills and employment support
- housing and strategic planning
- economic development and regeneration
- environment and climate change
- health and wellbeing
- public safety (police and crime commissioner/fire rescue authority responsibility).
Powers and funding will be consistently applied via a Devolution Framework set by the Government.
The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act Bill, establishing these principles in law, received royal assent in April 2026.
To find out more, visit the Suffolk County Council website.