The Government is looking to change how local services are delivered. This would see existing district and county councils replaced by new unitary councils in the biggest shake-up in local government in 50 years.
The process, known as Local Government Reorganisation, would see Norfolk's eight borough, city, district and county councils replaced by a smaller number of unitary councils.
What is the current Local Government structure?
Currently, borough, city and district councils in Norfolk provide services including collecting your rubbish, helping people with housing, assessing planning applications, distributing benefits and more. The county council looks after other services, such as schools, roads, and social care.
These new organisations would provide all the council services in your area. This could make things simpler and more streamlined, but it could also change things like how much you pay in council tax, how effectively your services are delivered, how your local area is cared for, how your community's unique needs are met, and how you are represented by councillors so that your local voice is heard.
A new approach
The Government has asked all eight Norfolk councils to work together and send in their proposals for what the future of service delivery could look like.
Breckland Council, Borough Council of King's Lynn and West Norfolk, Broadland District Council, Great Yarmouth District Council, North Norfolk District Council, and Norwich City Council are working collaboratively on this and we believe having three unitary councils would best serve the people of Norfolk (as opposed to having one or two). We need to send our proposal to the Government by late September 2025.
Our proposal to have three unitary councils for Norfolk is based on the findings of an independent report - The Strength of Three - and our collective knowledge of our communities. Having three councils would bring this local focus:
People: Strengthen local democracy, increase transparency, and make decision-making close to home
Place: Celebrate the unique identity, strengths, challenges, and heritage of different areas
Progress: Build a resilient, sustainable future for Norfolk that can adapt to changing needs
What do you think?
The Government's proposed changes could affect things like rubbish collection, schools, roads, and who helps make decisions for your area - both locally and in raising Norfolk's voice nationally.
That's why our six councils want you and everyone in your community to complete a short survey to tell us about your priorities for future services. Your responses will tell us what you really think about your area and help inform our submission to the Government.
