Agenda item

(Members are reminded this is a debate, not a question and answer session)

To consider the following recommendation to Council from the Cabinet Meeting held on 16 September 2025.

Final Proposal for Local Government Reorganisation in Norfolk

Click here to view the recording of this item on You Tube.

Councillor Beales, seconded by Councillor Ring, formally proposed the recommendation from the Cabinet Meeting held on 16 September 2025 regarding the Final Proposal for Local Government Reorganisation in Norfolk.

Councillor Beales, in his capacity as Leader, spoke in support of the proposal. He expressed gratitude to all involved in its development and outlined the anticipated social, economic, and financial benefits. He noted that Breckland District Council had confirmed its support for the submission earlier that day.

He further highlighted the opportunities presented by advancing technology, including the integration of artificial intelligence and the advantages of the Prevent Agenda.

Council noted that the proposal had been scrutinised by the Joint Panel and considered by Cabinet on its way through to Full Council.  There had also been a range of briefing sessions arranged for Members.

Councillor Long stressed the importance of ensuring the proposal served the residents of West Norfolk. He noted that reorganisation had been imposed on Norfolk, necessitating a submission. He emphasised the significance of local delivery and accountability, particularly in rural areas

Councillor Bone commented that this proposal was the most democratic way forward and the Labour Group would be supporting it.  He thanked all those involved and looked forward to the opportunities the new Unitary would bring.

Councillor Kirk confirmed support from the Reform UK Group, stating the proposal was the best option for West Norfolk. He extended thanks to all involved.

Councillor Kemp supported the West Norfolk proposal, commenting that Norfolk was too large to be served by a single Unitary authority. She referenced Norfolk County Council’s debt and staffing challenges and called for Government funding to support the reorganisation.

Councillor Devulapalli supported the principle of Reorganisation as Councils should be less complex in order to serve residents.  She felt that the three Unitary model was the best way forward and thanked all those involved.  She commented that it was a shame that Norfolk County Council had not engaged in the process along with the six Districts.

Councillor Moriarty welcomed the comprehensive briefing sessions and opportunities for Member questions in the lead up to the submission. He supported the proposal and voiced concern over the content of the Norfolk County Council proposal.

Councillor de Whalley stated that the three Unitary model met Government criteria, addressed local needs, and was robust. He commended the high level of engagement and consultation throughout the process.

Councillor Dark emphasised the importance of progressing with a submission in line with Government timescales. He supported the proposal and clarified that his role at County did not present a conflict of interest.

Councillor Joyce commented that service delivery was important and this proposal was the best for local service delivery.  He indicated that he would propose a recorded vote on this item.

Councillor Osborne spoke in support of the proposal, commended the level of engagement and consultation and was confident that the three unitary proposal would work as set out in the submission.

Councillor Sayers thanked all those involved in the submission and commented that he would be supporting the proposal as it was good for local decision making and residents.  He hoped that Government would consider the three unitary model as the optimum size to serve residents.

Councillor Ratcliffe spoke in support of the proposal and noted that the Borough Council was in a good position, currently undergoing a period of transformation and in a financially sustainable position.  She hoped that Local Government Reorganisation would not interrupt this.  She thanked all those involved and commented that all the data and information available in the proposal would serve those new Councillors elected to the Unitary well.

Councillor Jones praised the cross-party collaboration and the work undertaken. He believed the proposal was sustainable and would enhance services for residents.

Councillor Heneghan welcomed Local Government Reorganisation and hoped it would bring more opportunities to the West and prioritisation would be given to ensuring good services for residents.

Councillor Rust thanked all those involved in the process and felt that the three Unitary option was the best for residents as it would provide the opportunity to improve and transform the services currently provided by Norfolk County Council.  She commended the level of resident engagement and highlighted that residents need local services to remain.

Councillor Coates congratulated the Leader and all those involved in bringing the proposals forward.  He highlighted the importance of continuing to promote the benefits of the three Unitary model, even after the submission had been made.

Councillor Ring thanked all those involved, notably the Leader and Chief Executive and spoke in support of the proposal, describing it as sustainable and transformative. He criticised the County Council’s submission for lacking consideration of local service needs and placing undue burden on Parish Councils. He also highlighted the importance of the Prevent Agenda.

In summing up, Councillor Beales reiterated thanks to the Chief Executive and affirmed the Borough’s positive working relationship with Norfolk County Council, which he expected to continue. He confirmed his support for the three Unitary model.

Councillor Joyce proposed a recorded vote and this was supported by the requisite amount of Members.

The results of the recorded vote are set out below:

RESOLVED: The recommendation from the Cabinet Meeting held on 16^th September 2025 was approved as set out below:

1. Notes the content of this report and the ‘Future Norfolk: People, Place, Progress – Final Proposal for a Three-Unitary Model for Local Government Reorganisation in Norfolk’ (Final Proposal) annexed to the report.
2. Endorses the Final Proposal for a three-unitary model for local government reorganisation in Norfolk.
3. Delegates to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader, the authority to make any necessary non-material amendments to the Final Proposal and to submit the Final Proposal to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government.

REASON FOR DECISION:

To respond to the statutory invite from the Secretary of State to submit a final proposal for local government reorganisation in Norfolk.

This proposal offers a compelling and credible pathway to reform that is financially

sound, strategically aligned, and rooted in local identity. It positions Norfolk to deliver

better outcomes for residents, strengthen democratic leadership, and contribute

meaningfully to the Government’s wider devolution and public service transformation

agenda. It is believed that this proposal has the potential to deliver lasting benefits for

communities across Norfolk, and to support a model of governance that is fit for the

future.