What is unitary status?

A unitary council is a single council responsible for the delivery of all local government services in a particular area. It is widely recognised as the easiest, clearest and most efficient model for local government, and this system operates in most urban and city areas across England. Unitary government also operates across the whole of Scotland and Wales.

What currently happens in Norwich and Norfolk?

Unitary government does not currently apply in Norwich and Norfolk. We have a two-tier system, with different services provided by different levels of government.

Local government services in the built up area of Norwich are currently run by four different councils:

• Three district councils - Norwich City Council covering most of the built up area (129,700 people), Broadland District Council covering most of the north side of the city (approx 75,000 people), and South Norfolk Council covering some of the south of the city (approx 15,000 people).
• One county council - Norfolk County Council covering the whole of the city (and the rest of Norfolk too).

The three district councils provide services such as housing, refuse collection, street cleansing and litter collection, culture, parks and development control.

The county council provides such services as children's services, adult social care, libraries, strategic planning and transport and waste disposal.

Across the rest of Norfolk, the picture is equally confusing. There are a total of seven district councils, plus Norfolk County Council covering the whole county area. Although there is some joint and partnership working, in practice this means there are overlaps and duplication of services, resulting in public confusion about which council provides which services, and therefore which councillor to ask for help.

Why would unitary government be better for Norwich and for Norfolk?

Norwich is the biggest city in England which does not have unitary status. We believe there are potential significant economic, social and environmental benefits for local people that could be achieved if unitary status were to be introduced across the whole county;

Greater efficiency

• more integration of complementary services
• less duplication of services (eg there are 8 teams of finance, personnel and legal services across the county)
• greater consistency in service delivery and standards
• stronger purchasing power to achieve better costs
• closer partnership with police and health services.

More local focus

• clearer and greater political accountability
• easier access to services for local people
• no confusion about which council is delivering which services
• all funds raised locally will be spent locally
• more targeting on local needs and aspirations.

Stronger economic focus on the city of Norwich

• status as a viable city in its own right, as well as a regional hub
• attracting growth in jobs, wealth, culture and tourism
• tackling social inequality and poverty
• greater national and international influence and credibility.

Strategic leadership

• clearer political leadership – one leader for each area
• stronger neighbourhood empowerment and engagement
• more focussed partnership working.

What is happening now?

On the 19 March 2009 the boundary committee published draft proposals for:

• A greater Norwich unitary council and a rural Norfolk unitary council (the doughnut model).
• A single Norfolk county unitary council.

This means the boundary committee now believes both the draft proposals have the capacity to fully meet the five criteria set by the government, namely:

• Affordability.
• Broad cross-section of support.
• Strategic leadership.
• Service delivery.
• Neighbourhood engagement and empowerment.

The Boundary Committee for England's eight-week consultation period closed on Thursday 14 May 2009. You can view the submissions to the consultation by accessing their website – the link can be found in the 'Where can I get more information?' section below.

The next stage in the process will see the boundary committee provide final advice and recommendations to the Secretary of State by Wednesday 15 July.

In September, the Secretary of State will accept, amend or reject the advice given by the boundary committee. Any orders for implementation of new unitary councils would then need to be approved by Parliament.

The timeline, accessed from the link below, shows the process so far, and when we expect further developments to occur.

Timeline for unitary developments

Where can I get more information?

Please email onecity@norwich.gov.uk

Or you can visit the boundary committee's website

Other useful links and information