Four new mayoral authorities are in the pipeline with ‘advanced discussions’ under way, the chancellor has announced.
As part of the Autumn Statement, Jeremy Hunt said a devolution deal had been agreed with Suffolk CC and talks were ongoing with Cornwall, Norfolk and authorities in the North East of England.
Suffolk’s leader Matthew Hicks said they had agreed in negotiations to a mayoral model to access more powers.
He added: ‘In exchange for the greatest freedoms and funding, we are now minded to pursue a model whereby the leader of Suffolk CC is directly elected.’
Last month, Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside, Northumberland, South Tyneside, and Sunderland announced they had ‘a deal on the table’, as Durham CC expressed a desire to join the discussions.
Mr Hunt said the deals would see the proportion of people under directly-elected mayors in England rise to over 50%, and reaffirmed deals would be agreed with all areas in England that want one by 2030.
He added discussions on ‘trailblazer’ deals with Greater Manchester and the West Midlands Combined Authorities will be completed by early 2023, granting powers over skills, transport and housing.
The Government will also look to introduce single ‘departmental-style’ settlements at the next Spending Review designed to give local bodies ‘more flexibility and accountability over key economic growth funds’ and shift away from competitive bidding processes.’
