Norfolk politicians react to devolution deal being scrapped by Labour Government
Politicians have expressed varying views on news that Norfolk’s devolution deal has been scrapped.
Conservative-run Norfolk County Council had secured an in-principle devolution deal in December last year to bring more powers and funding to the county - but announced this afternoon that the new Labour Government had axed the plans.
This has put several key projects in Lynn at risk - including ongoing work at the Nar Ouse Business Park.
James Wild, the Conservative MP for North West Norfolk, has slammed the decision.
He told the Lynn News: “This decision by the Labour government is incredibly disappointing and blocks at least an extra £600 million funding for Norfolk to boost growth, skills, and opportunity.
“Scrapping a deal that’s been worked on for a long time and which had local support without consulting local authority leaders or MPs indicates a lack of respect for our county.”
However, Terry Jermy, the Labour South West Norfolk MP - who voted against the devolution plans as a county councillor - has voiced his support for the Government.
He does not believe the original plans were ambitious enough.
“The Government has taken the time to review the proposals after the election and concluded the deal is not good enough. I support their conclusion,” Mr Jermy said.
Meanwhile, Steve Morphew, the leader of the Labour group on the county council, added: “Nobody should be mourning what was always a second rate deal that would have consigned us to being a second rate county always playing catch up.
“Now we have a real opportunity to negotiate with a government that wants us to be ambitious and fulfill Norfolk’s potential, with long term plans for prosperity and a seat at the table as a major player.
“Any extra time needed to agree a proper devolution deal will be well spent. Chasing a poor, unfunded, second rate mirage cobbled together by a discredited Tory government and Tory council that has lost all credibility has already cost us too much time and money.”
Cllr Kay Mason Billig, the leader of the county council, said she was “bitterly disappointed” after hearing the deal had been halted.
“For a Government that is keen on economic growth, this is a shortsighted and damaging decision,” she said.
“The Government says it supports devolution, yet it has killed off a deal that was ready to go: a deal that was going to improve lives in Norfolk, and grow our economy and start to address decades of historic under investment in our county.”
