Residents back bid for single council in City of Norwich (15/11/06)
Even before the Government published its White Paper on local government reorganisation which allows cities like Norwich to bid to run their own affairs again, research found that the majority of residents in Norwich who express a view want to see the existing system of the City Council and the County Council providing services in the City replaced by a single one-tier council.
In an Ipsos MORI survey (conducted from August 23 to October 2 this year) of those who expressed a view, residents in and around Norwich agreed by a margin of round three to two (41% to 25%) that there should be just one council providing services in the City. Norwich City residents were more likely than those living in neighbouring urban areas to support change – 44% agree. However a third of residents don’t know or do not express a preference.
'This result is hugely encouraging, absolutely terrific,' says Norwich City Council leader Cllr Steve Morphew. 'Even before the White Paper came out, and more significantly even before we have had a chance to explain to people all the benefits that will flow from having one council provide city services, 41% of residents were already wanting change.'
'The City of Norwich is going to bid to become what is termed a unitary council so that Norwich people can make decisions for their own city and residents can have the advantages that single-tier government offers.'
In the survey residents were asked whether one council providing Norwich City services would have a positive or negative impact or no impact at all on a range of issues. The majority agreed that if a single-tier system was introduced there would be more clarity in who actually provides the services.
The Ipsos MORI report stated that 'in relation to two of the issues - clarity about which council provides which services, and duplication over three times more residents feel these would improve, as think they would get worse, while twice as many feel there would be greater efficiency.' The issue about which residents are more sceptical is costs. 'But that is entirely natural,’ Cllr Morphew added. ‘It is our responsibility now to reassure people on this issue.'
In its report Ipsos MORI said the survey demonstrated that Norwich operates as a strong focus for practical aspects of community with the majority of residents living in and around the city identifying Norwich as the main place they shop, work, have their entertainment and the place they educate their children.
Some 75% of residents living in and around Norwich said they have a very or fairly strong sense of belonging to the City. A similar proportion, 73%, feels the same attachment to the County.
'This is significant,' Cllr Morphew said. 'The great thing about unitary government is that while the people of Norwich can be given the powers to run their own affairs again, they can still enjoy a thriving Norfolk. A stronger city will make for a stronger county. While we will take back to the City the responsibility for education, children's and adult social services and planning, the County will be free to concentrate on looking after the wonderful rural areas of Norfolk.'
The research also showed that two thirds of Norwich City residents (63%) are satisfied with the way the City Council is running the city – while 17% are dissatisfied.
