Devolution and a Combined Mayoral Authority
Published 27 March 2025
Devolution
At its meeting on Wednesday 19 March, Woodbridge Town Council discussed the Government’s proposals on devolution. These will involve the creation of a Combined Mayoral Authority under the leadership of a Mayor for Suffolk and Norfolk, to be elected in May 2026.
The powers of the Combined Mayoral Authority will be devolved from Central Government, enabling the Authority to make strategic decisions specific to the region and decide on its own funding priorities. The elected Mayor would work with the existing County Councils of both counties until they, and the borough/district councils, are replaced by Unitary Authorities created by the proposed Local Government Reorganisation. Decisions would be taken by nominated members of the County and once formed, Unitary Councils and the elected Mayor. There is provision for undefined other organisations to be involved in the Combined Mayoral Authority and some ‘can be given voting rights at the discretion of the Combined Authority.’
Woodbridge Town Council urges local residents take part in the consultation on the Combined Mayoral Authority which can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/norfolk-and-suffolk-devolution/norfolk-and-suffolk-devolution-consultation. The deadline for responses is 13 April 2025.
Unitary Authorities will be created to replace the current County/ District/Borough and City Councils. In Suffolk, Suffolk County Council, the District Councils and Ipswich Borough Council will be replaced by one or more Unitary Councils. The aim is to provide more efficient public services, end the overlap of multiple district, borough and county councils and deliver better value for money for residents.
Suffolk County Council, District Councils and Ipswich Borough Council submitted their initial proposals for devolution on 21 March 2025 in accordance with the government timetable. More detailed proposals will be expected by 26 September 2025.
We believe that Woodbridge Town Council should assert its role in the plan to devolve powers to the region and the local government reorganisation that is to follow. In particular the Town Council should stake a claim to represent the views and aspirations of local people. The White Paper refers to the role of local councils in this and there are references throughout the Consultation document to the importance of any proposal reflecting local needs, assets and histories.
The Minister’s letter to Local Authority leaders states that ’it is for councils to decide how best to engage locally in a meaningful and constructive way’ and ‘Proposals should consider issues of local identity and cultural and historic importance’. The Suffolk County Council briefing paper states that Town and Parish Councils will be important stakeholders ‘particularly as a voice for local communities’. It further confirms that there will be ‘engagement with Town and Parish Councils to help develop Local Government Reorganisation proposals.’
Woodbridge Town Council looks forward to taking part in these consultations and seeks views from residents.
The invitation to local authorities can be found here: