Local Government Reorganisation
On 7 September 2026, the Government announced it will be reviewing plans for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR).
The review, which was announced by the Secretary of State in Parliament, includes decisions on Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex and Hampshire. LGR plans for these areas have been withdrawn in light of new legal advice.
Prior to the announcement on 7 September, the city council was working in collaboration with councils across Norfolk to move to a three-unitary structure by April 2028 – creating a new Greater Norwich City Council, West Norfolk Council and East Norfolk Council.
These new unitary councils were due to replace the current county and district arrangements across Norfolk, abolishing the seven district councils and the county council.
What this means for elections
While the Government’s review on plans for LGR takes place, it has confirmed that local elections in May 2027 will go ahead on existing council boundaries. For the city council, that means the usual one-third of council seats will be up for election – one seat in each of the council’s 13 wards.
The proposed shadow unitary elections, scheduled for May 2027, will no longer take place.
Devolution arrangements for Norfolk and Suffolk remain on their existing timetable.
About devolution
Devolution is a separate process to LGR and involves the transfer of certain powers and funding from the national government to local leaders. For Norfolk, this will allow decisions about investment and services to be made by people who understand local needs best.
For our area, the proposal is for powers to be devolved to a new ‘Strategic Authority’ for Norfolk and Suffolk, overseen by a newly elected Mayor for the area. The election for a mayor for Norfolk and Suffolk is expected to take place in 2028.
Background
The Government launched a public consultation on devolution in February 2025. Norwich City Council has shared its draft response as outlined in the scrutiny committee report of 20 March 2025.
