Cllr Brian Watkins' devolution update

Local Liberal Democrats have expressed concerns about the proposed devolution deal that has been offered by central government to Norfolk and Suffolk. As things stand, the plan provides an extra £25 million to the area over the next 30 years to spend on new roads, transport and other community services. On top of this, £100 million over a five year period (plus an extra £30 million for Norwich and Ipswich) will also be allocated to build more affordable homes in the area. Other decisions will also be made locally. These include how money might be spent on skills training and apprenticeships, and on improving and maintaining our road network.

However, Brian Watkins, the Lib Dem county councillor for Eaton, said that he was not convinced that the benefits of devolution were sufficient to outweigh the extra cost that the new structure would cost the council taxpayer. 'We will have a new elected mayor for Norfolk and Suffolk, and a combined authority that will be responsible for administering many of the new powers to be devolved. I think that local people will see this as very bureaucratic, and unlikely to provide proper value for money. I believe in devolution, but the current deal on the table leaves a lot of questions unanswered. Devolution is something that has largely passed people by so far. It's important that they get to know what devolution means to them, and whether it will provide better quality services and a better form of local governance.

In the coming weeks, the public will be given the opportunity to have their say about the devolution proposals with the consultation lasting until Friday 19th August. 'Whatever your views, I am keen that as many people take part as possible', said Councillor Watkins. Here's what you can do if you would like to get involved with the consultation:

• Take part in the online consultation at www.eastangliadevo.co.uk.
• Pick up a paper copy of the consultation at your local library - you can also drop off your feedback there.
• Email HaveYourSay@norfolk.gov.uk or telephone 0345 6031842 to request a copy of the consultation document in a different format or to feed in your views.
• Complete the feedback section of the leaflet shortly to be sent out to households by Norfolk County Council, using the Freepost address supplied.