Do you care about devolution?

Devolution. A Horn of Plenty?

The powers that be at many of the local authorities in Suffolk (and in Norfolk too by all accounts) have been heavily preoccupied in recent months making representations to Government to ensure that the two eastern counties can be included in early devolution plans.  The prize for doing a deal on devolution with the Government will, we are told, be significant.  How significant is however rather unclear.

It is rare that one gets something for nothing and there will of course be many conditions attached to any grant of  newly devolved powers and (with luck) resources.  For example it has become clear that any deal must be a joint one with Norfolk. Furthermore the new arrangements (however they turn out) must be overseen by a directly elected character, who, for want of a better word could be described as a mayor.  Perhaps we could think of a better title however since 'mayor' is a rather urban word unsuited to a predominately rural area such as ours.

At Naughton and Nedging Parish Council meeting yesterday evening I was asked a very pertinent question by the perspicacious councillors.  How much public consultation has there been about all this?

 The answer, of course. is none at all.* 

Setting aside the fact that the whole process to date has been so muddled and confused that it would be difficult to know on what to consult, many in local government believe that the general public are deeply uninterested in its workings.  'As long as the bins are emptied people are happy' is the usual refrain.

It has to be said however that for those who ARE interested in this arcane subject there is quite a lot of information available on the devolution process  on the Babergh District Council website (click through to 'Devolution' from the Home Page HERE)

I am afraid that I couldn't find anything at all when I tried to find something similar on the County Council website.  I am not sure if anything should be read into that!

*Although it should be said that the Suffolk bid was formally approved in a number of public council meetings.