Norfolk Chambers stand ready to support the new unitary councils
The Government has today confirmed its plans for reorganisation and is minded to adopt a three unitary council model for Norfolk. Subject to the required statutory and parliamentary steps, this would mean that from April 2028, three new unitary councils would replace the existing eight councils.
The new three-unitary structure will include:
• West Norfolk Council (current local government areas of Breckland, King’s Lynn and West Norfolk, and 9 parishes from South Norfolk).
• Greater Norwich Council (current local government areas of Norwich, 19 parishes from Broadland, and 16 parishes from South Norfolk).
• East Norfolk Council (current local government areas of Broadland (less 19 parishes), Great Yarmouth, North Norfolk, and South Norfolk (less 25 parishes)).
This was outlined in a written statement from the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government on the future of local government in Norfolk.
Parliament must now approve the legal change that creates the new councils.
All current councils will now focus on planning a well-government transition that keeps services stable whilst they work together to build the new unitary council structures. They will continue to deliver business-as-usual services and meet statutory responsibilities, with no immediate changes to service delivery.
Commenting on today’s announcement, Nova Fairbank, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chambers of Commerce said:
“The Norfolk business community will be keen to see ‘business as usual’ being maintained as we transition from eight councils into three unitary councils.
“Businesses will also want to understand the opportunity to get their voice heard and help shape ‘place’ in their local areas, from housing and services that will impact on their employees, through to job opportunities and support for businesses.
“Norfolk Chambers now stands ready to engage with and support the three new unitary councils to engage with the Norfolk business community to drive jobs and economic growth for our county.”