Norfolk Chambers calls on Chancellor to back Norfolk’s growth

Norfolk Chambers of Commerce has written to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Rt. Hon. John Healey MP, setting out four key interventions the Government could make in the 2026 Budget to unlock growth and investment across Norfolk.

The open letter highlights four priorities:

  • A47 dualling – accelerating improvements to critical east-west connections.
  • Ely-Haughley rail upgrades – unlocking greater capacity for passengers, freight and future growth.
  • Devolution – fast-tracking Norfolk and Suffolk’s transition to an Established Mayoral Strategic Authority.
  • Employment costs – addressing the impact of increased employer National Insurance contributions on hiring under-25s.
Nova Fairbank, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chambers of Commerce, said:

“For too long Norfolk has missed out on its fair share of investment in infrastructure and skills, and for many years this has acted as a brake on business confidence. With another new Chancellor in No.11, we are setting four interventions he could make quickly to enable businesses to invest and grow. When businesses grow, the economy grows with it, and what follows eases the cost of living crisis Andy Burnham has committed himself to addressing. Combining these fiscal policy levers with the promised devolution of powers to a joint Norfolk/Suffolk Mayoralty will give Norfolk the competitiveness and agility to deliver for UK PLC.”

Read the full open letter to the Chancellor and Norfolk Chambers’ 2026 Budget priorities.