Norwich City Councillors have backed a strong shared vision for the future of local government in Norfolk.
At a meeting of full council on 23 September, councillors from all political parties gave their support to a proposal which would see the creation of a Greater Norwich Authority as part of three new unitary councils across Norfolk. It was formally agreed to proceed with the submission of the bid by the council’s cabinet the same evening.
The Government’s Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) plans would see the new councils deliver all services in their respective areas, as opposed to now where responsibilities are split between the districts and county council.
The unitary bid has been developed by ‘Future Norfolk’, a partnership of six councils – Breckland Council, Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk, Broadland District Council, Great Yarmouth Borough Council, North Norfolk District Council, and Norwich City Council. It will be submitted to Government on Friday 26 September.
Council leader, Mike Stonard, said: “This is a bold vision for Norwich and for Norfolk. It will create councils which are the right size to serve their communities effectively, keep decision making in the hands of those who know their area best, and ensure a continued strong public voice in local democracy.
“Norwich is unique within the county, with its own distinct challenges which are very different to our surrounding towns and rural areas.
“A Greater Norwich Council, working alongside councils for the east and west of the county, would allow us to realise the city’s full potential.
“As a single tier council with all the levers for growth and key services available, Norwich has the potential to accelerate growth, increase population, homes and local prosperity in a way that benefits not only the city and region, but the whole country.”
The Future Norfolk submission proposes the creation of a Greater Norwich Unitary Authority as well as two further unitary authorities to serve east and west Norfolk respectively. It is supported by an eight-year financial business case which details how each council is not only viable but will deliver significant efficiencies and millions in savings over their first eight years of operation.
