Joint statement: six councils submit joint vision to strengthen local government services in Norfolk

Six district councils submitted to Government their strong, shared vision for the future of local government in Norfolk, which aims to ensure decisions about local services are taken closer to communities and tailored to local needs. Read the statement from Norwich City Council here. 

Who is involved

The six councils are:

• Breckland District Council
• Broadland District Council
• Great Yarmouth Borough Council
• The Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk
• North Norfolk District Council
• Norwich City Council  

They are working together under the name “Future Norfolk”.  

Also supporting the plan are several Members of Parliament from across Norfolk.  

What they propose

• Replace the existing eight councils in Norfolk with three new unitary authorities (i.e. single-tier local authorities).  
• They believe three is better than one large “mega council”, arguing it allows decisions to be made closer to communities.  
• The plan is backed by evidence, financial planning over eight years, and public input.  
• The new authorities would be big enough to provide efficiency and economies of scale, but also local enough to respond to different community needs (city, coast, rural).  
• The aim is services that are more accountable, responsive, efficient, and tailored to local places.  

Why they’re doing this

The councils argue that:

• Local decision-making leads to better outcomes for communities
• Larger, well-designed authorities can still operate efficiently
• The plan is financially viable, legal, and aims for savings and better services  
• They’ve engaged with residents, parish councils and stakeholders over the summer, whose feedback emphasised local accountability and service quality.  

What happens next

The plan is now with the Government.
A consultation is expected in autumn 2025 where the public can review all submitted proposals.

The Pros’ and Cons’

What Could Work

• Local decision-making: Having three councils instead of one large “mega council” could keep decisions closer to home and make services feel more connected to local areas.
• Joined-up services: Bringing all services under one council in each area could reduce duplication and make it easier for people to access support.
• Cost savings: Fewer councils could mean lower running costs, helping money go further on frontline services.
• Tailored approach: Each new council could focus on its own community – whether that’s the city, coast, or countryside – rather than a one-size-fits-all system.
• Stronger collaboration: The six councils are already working together and have based their plan on evidence, financial forecasts, and public feedback.

What Might Not Work

• Disruption during change: Merging councils is complex and could cause short-term confusion for residents and staff.
• Boundary concerns: Some people may feel uncertain about which new council they’ll belong to or how local identity will be protected.
• Transition challenges: Changing systems, budgets, and responsibilities could take time and resources before improvements are seen.
• Government approval needed: The plan will only move forward if it’s accepted by the Government following consultation.
• Risk of uneven results: If not managed well, some areas might benefit more quickly than others.

What Happens Next

The proposal has now been sent to the Government for review.

A public consultation is expected in autumn 2025, where residents will be able to share their views on all the plans submitted for local government reform in Norfolk.

Watch This Space

We will keep you updated as more information becomes available, and the consultation moves forward.