Babergh leader John Ward has welcomed an "ambitious and exciting" devolution deal for Suffolk.

The Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove will attend a ceremony in Bury St Edmunds with Suffolk County Council leader Cllr Matthew Hicks today to officially sign the deal. 

The landmark deal devolves more powers to Suffolk, bringing around £480million of investment over the next 30 years. It will enable the county to drive growth and plan for the long-term with certainty.

John Ward, Babergh District Council leader, said: "Suffolk's united approach to getting the right deal for the county has paid off. 

"This investment over the next 30 years will transform many areas. And it will address priorities that people really care about – such as transport and tackling climate change. I look forward to seeing what a positive impact this will have on the lives of people in the Babergh district.

"It also demonstrates that the way forward for more effective and accountable local government is through collaboration and closer working with our neighbours."

The deal also includes £5.8m to regenerate brownfield land into affordable homes and drive economic growth across Suffolk, devolvement of the Adult Education budget so provision can be shaped to meets local needs, additional transport powers and £3m to improve energy efficiency in homes.

Mr Gove said: "I said we would give devolution deals to all that wanted them and today we are keeping that promise by putting power into the hands of the people who know best what Suffolk needs so they can level up the county and unleash its full economic potential.

"It is now people in places likeIpswich, Felixstowe and Newmarket who will have a greater say on how their areas are run. Because we know important decisions are best taken by those who know their areas inside out, not by those many miles away in Whitehall.

"This new deal will empower leaders in Suffolk to shape policies and direct spending to address issues that are unique to them, and I will commit to working with them even further to help drive through that change."

The deal also includes provisions to directly elect the leader of Suffolk County Council.

There will be full public consultation and if it proceeds, the election of the leader will take place from May 2024.