Devolution and reorganisation are hot topics to say the least right now. The national and international political maps are changing. But we have an issue to consider that is absolutely regional. And it will have a direct impact on the future of our local economy.

There has been much negotiation and discussion, and the possibility of Suffolk and Norfolk securing a devolution deal with the government is now very real, and very close. As ever, opinions vary and emotions run high. Clarity is essential and the public consultation process, which closes on August 23, is welcome.

We're certainly doing our bit to give businesses an opportunity to have their say, and the Chambers of Commerce, together with the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership, organised three events to do just that. Over 150 businesses signed up to attend, which is evidence in itself of how important the issue is to local commerce.

And it is a huge issue. This deal would generate an extra £25m a year over the next 30 years, to be spent on roads, transport links and vital services that will support business growth in the East. There would be an extra £100m, over the next five years, to support the building of affordable homes across the region, with another £30m aimed specifically at Ipswich and Norwich. This funding will in turn unlock hundreds of millions of pounds of additional private sector investment. The capital investment aside, we would, as a region, have more say. Fundamental decisions that are now made at national level would be made here.

Devolution is a golden opportunity to secure the backing to do that, and to wrench the key decisions away from Whitehall – making them in our region, for our region.

We encourage you to go on the website and give your views at www.eastangliadevo.co.uk.

It's about our future.