Levelling up secretary Michael Gove today insisted towns like Felixstowe will benefit from a new devolution deal.

Mr Gove will sign a deal aiming to give Suffolk County Council a directly-elected leader and more powers devolved from central government.

The deal will be subject to local consultation and a council resolution, in preparation for an anticipated election for leader in May 2024.

Suffolk County Council would gain greater powers under the deal, including devolved control over a £480 million investment fund for the next thirty years.

Mr Gove said: "I said we would give devolution deals to all that wanted them and today we are keeping that promise.

"We are 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.

"People in places like Ipswich, Felixstowe and Newmarket will have a greater say on how their areas are run.

"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."

Suffolk County Council would be given devolved power over its adult education budget and more capital funding to improve the energy efficiency in houses.

The directly elected leader would serve as a local champion to attract investment and discuss with central government, as well as making and influencing decisions on a local level.

Cllr Matthew Hicks, leader of Suffolk County Council, said: "This devolution deal is the first of its kind between the government and a county council, making it a truly historic moment for Suffolk.

"The deal recognises Suffolk's ambitions, would put more powers in the hands of local people and bring more than half a billion pounds of investment into the county.

"On the table are greater decision-making powers around transport, infrastructure, skills and more resources to help us achieve our net zero ambitions.

"Ultimately, this significant additional investment will improve the lives and outcomes of Suffolk's residents.

"Devolution is a journey, not a one-off event. This deal for Suffolk is the first step towards an exciting future for our great county."

With a similar deal to be signed with Norfolk County Council and one signed by Cornwall Council last week, half of England will soon have devolution deals in place.

To provide more powers over housing, the planned devolution will provide £5.8 million to develop on brownfield land and Suffolk County Council will gain more compulsory purchase powers.

The deal will also give the new leader and the county council more control over transport and will provide £3 million to improve energy efficiency in homes.

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.

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