Communities across Norfolk are encouraged to take part in a once-in-a-generation consultation on the future of Local Government in the county, which launched in November. The Government is asking for people’s views on three different proposals put forward in response to its drive to reorganise Norfolk’s eight county, city, district and borough councils into new unitary authorities responsible for all local services.
The options are:
• Three councils (East Norfolk, West Norfolk and Greater Norwich) – proposed jointly by the Future Norfolk partnership of six district councils: Breckland District Council, Broadland District Council, Great Yarmouth Borough Council, Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk, North Norfolk District Council, and Norwich City Council.
• Two councils (Norwich & East Norfolk, and West & North Norfolk) – proposed by South Norfolk District Council.
• One council (covering the whole of Norfolk) – proposed by Norfolk County Council.
The Government is expected to make its final decision in the spring, with elections to the new shadow council(s) in May 2027 and the council(s) going live in April 2028.
In a joint statement, the Council Leaders of the districts proposing three unitaries said:
“Six councils and eight MPs are standing together behind a clear, evidence-based case for three unitary councils, informed by careful independent analysis of all options, robust financial planning to ensure all three councils are viable and deliver savings, and extensive conversations with our communities about your priorities. We concluded that three unitary councils would best serve the people and places of our large and diverse county. Three unitaries will deliver clearer local accountability, with democratic decisions made by local representatives closer to communities, and more responsive services tailored to local needs, strengths and opportunities of each area, while still remaining large enough to operate efficiently across all council services.”
The Future Norfolk proposal would create:
• Three local authorities which are of significant size and scale
• Three authorities which reflect the differences across Norfolk – from city to coast to countryside
• Three authorities which have economic opportunities which, partnering with the new Combined Authority, can unlock new homes, new skills and new jobs for local people
• Three authorities whose communities are different, with distinct needs best served by bespoke local public services
• Three authorities which are financially sustainable, safe and legal, with real opportunities to drive efficiencies, savings and local benefit
This proposal for three councils is also supported by the following MPs: Steffan Aquarone (Lib Dem) North Norfolk, George Freeman (Conservative) Mid Norfolk, Terry Jermy (Labour) South West Norfolk, Clive Lewis (Labour) Norwich South, Rupert Lowe (Independent) Great Yarmouth, Alice Macdonald (Labour) Norwich North, James Wild (Conservative) North West Norfolk, and Adrian Ramsay (Green) Waveney Valley.
Norfolk County Council, on the other hand, argues that a single unitary council is the best choice for Norfolk – one organisation responsible for all local government services, designed to deliver better outcomes for residents, reduce duplication, and ensure long-term financial sustainability.
Councillor Kay Mason Billig, Leader of Norfolk County Council, said:
“If you want value for money and the best council services for all our communities, please have your say. This is a once in 50 years chance to create something that works better for Norfolk.”
“Our detailed analysis shows that having one council for the whole county – instead of splitting things up, two or three ways – is the best way to achieve this. Fragmentation of our county not only increases costs for taxpayers but risks vital service delivery. One new unitary council, a one-stop-shop for all services would be strong where it counts and local where it matters. Please read the different proposals in detail and have your say. We literally can’t afford to make the wrong choice.”
The consultation runs until 11th January 2026. To take part, click here and have your say. If you don’t have online access, you are welcome to use the public-access computers available at any local library. Paper copies of the response form can also be requested by calling your council on 01362 656870 or 0344 800 8020. However, you must post your response to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government at 2 Marsham Street, London, SW1P 4DF by 11th January 2026 to be counted.
