Local government in Norfolk could be about to change in one of the biggest shake-ups in decades, but there is still debate over what the right model should look like.
The Government has asked councils across the country to submit proposals for “unitary” authorities, which would replace the current two-tier system. Right now, Norfolk has one county council and seven district councils. Depending on where you live, some services are provided by the county (such as highways, children’s services and adult social care), while others are run by the district (such as planning, housing and waste collection).
The idea behind unitaries is to simplify this structure. Instead of separate county and district councils, a unitary authority brings everything under one roof, meaning one council responsible for all local services. The hope is that this will save money by reducing duplication, while also making services easier for residents to access and understand. So far, two very different visions for Norfolk have emerged.
One Council for Norfolk
Norfolk County Council has put forward a proposal for a single council to cover the whole county. Council Leader, Councillor Kay Mason Billig, says the model would save almost £40 million a year, money which she says could be reinvested into local services.
She argued that a single council is the only way to achieve the scale of savings needed, as well as guaranteeing consistency:
“Having one council for all of Norfolk, instead of splitting things up, two or three ways, is the best way of achieving that. One council would make your money go further, which means more to support services. Only by having one council would enough savings be delivered to give future councillors choices on where to set the level of Council Tax. Having more than one council would cost significantly more and make this virtually impossible.”
The county council believes its plan would avoid breaking up crucial services such as adult social care and highways, while still being able to respond to local needs through neighbourhood committees and stronger ties with parish and town councils.
Three Councils Instead of One
Six of Norfolk’s district councils – Breckland, Broadland, Great Yarmouth, King’s Lynn & West Norfolk, North Norfolk and Norwich – disagree. Together, they have launched the Future Norfolk proposal, which would see the current eight councils replaced by three new unitary councils.
Their argument is that Norfolk is too big and too diverse for one “mega council.” They say three councils would strike the right balance: large enough to run services efficiently, but still close enough to communities to reflect local needs.
In their joint statement, the district leaders said:
“We stand together as six councils with a clear, evidence-based case, demonstrating that three unitary councils rather than one mega council will best serve the people and places of our large and diverse county. Three unitaries will mean local decisions can be made by local representatives who understand their communities, and more responsive services tailored to local needs, strengths and opportunities.”
Future Norfolk say that their case is supported by MPs from across the political spectrum, Conservative, Labour, Liberal Democrat and Reform, all of whom have signed up to back the idea. The leaders argue their plan is based on careful analysis and financial modelling, showing that three unitaries would still deliver savings while keeping decision-making closer to communities.
What Happens Next?
Both proposals, one council and three councils, have now been submitted to Government. Ministers are expected to consult the public this autumn before making a final decision in spring 2026.
Whichever model is chosen will have a significant impact. It will shape how local services are run for years to come, from the bins we put out each week, to how new housing is planned, to the support given to vulnerable children and adults.
Should Norfolk be governed by one county-wide council, promising simplicity and bigger savings? Or by three smaller councils, aiming to be more responsive and rooted in their local areas? Consultation later this year will give residents the chance to have their say on what they think the future of Norfolk’s local government should look like.
Find Out More
You can read more about the proposals here:
- Norfolk County Council’s “One Council” plan: www.norfolk.gov.uk/onecouncil
- The district councils’ “Future Norfolk” plan: www.futurenorfolk.com
