Important Update: Key Changes in Local Government

We are sharing the following update from Norfolk County Council to ensure that all care providers in the region are aware of today’s significant announcement regarding Local Government Reorganisation (LGR).

The below correspondence – sent by Chris Scott, Director of Strategic Commissioning and Market Development, NCC – confirms the Government’s plans for a shift to a three-unitary council model in Norfolk.

Please read the full details below for information on the new structure, what it means for service delivery, and how the council plans to engage with the care market during this period.

The Government has confirmed it is “minded to support” a move to three unitary councils in Norfolk, replacing the current eight-council structure. Subject to parliamentary approval, the new system is expected to come into effect by April 2028.

The proposed model will divide the county into three new authorities:

• A new unitary council for West Norfolk (current local government areas of Breckland, King’s Lynn and West Norfolk, and 9 parishes from South Norfolk).
• A new unitary council for Greater Norwich (current local government areas of Norwich, 19 parishes from Broadland, and 16 parishes from South Norfolk).
• A new unitary council for East Norfolk (current local government areas of Broadland (less 19 parishes), Great Yarmouth, North Norfolk, and South Norfolk (less 25 parishes)).

The council has also confirmed that it will be working closely with the Norfolk Care Association to ensure providers are consulted and kept informed as the plans develop.

Please see the full correspondence below:

Dear All,

I am writing to update you on the Government’s announcement today on Local Government Reorganisation in Norfolk.

The Government has confirmed plans for reorganisation and is minded to support a three unitary council model for Norfolk. Subject to the required statutory and parliamentary steps, this would mean that from April 2028 three new unitary councils would replace the existing eight councils.

What this means for Norfolk

The new structure will include:

• A new unitary council for West Norfolk (current local government areas of Breckland, King’s Lynn and West Norfolk, and 9 parishes from South Norfolk).
• A new unitary council for Greater Norwich (current local government areas of Norwich, 19 parishes from Broadland, and 16 parishes from South Norfolk).
• A new unitary council for East Norfolk (current local government areas of Broadland (less 19 parishes), Great Yarmouth, North Norfolk, and South Norfolk (less 25 parishes)).While this is not the structure Norfolk County Council had proposed, we will work collaboratively to ensure that the Government’s plan for reorganisation delivers councils that are effective, stable and sustainable, and able to work well with partners to deliver high-quality services.

  Where to find information on the announcement

You can read:

• The statement  from Minister of State for Local Government and Homelessness, on the future of local government in Norfolk.Working constructively with partners

We recognise the vital role adult social care providers undertake in supporting our residents and local communities. As transition planning develops, we remain committed to ensuring that we work with providers to shape arrangements.

What happens next

Parliament must now approve the legal change that creates the new council.   Our focus is on planning a well-governed transition that keeps services stable and running safely, while we work together to build a new unitary council structure that is stronger, simpler and better able to deliver for Norfolk. We will work constructively with the other Norfolk councils, partners and Government to shape the future model and maintain strong partnership working throughout.  Throughout this period, all councils will continue to deliver business-as-usual services and meet statutory responsibilities, with no immediate changes to service delivery.  We will provide further updates as key stages progress, and we will ensure there are opportunities for you to stay informed and feed into emerging arrangements as they develop.

To this end, we will be working closely with Norfolk Care Association to help consider implications and opportunities for our care providers and to support communication and engagement across the adult social care market.

With regards,

Chris Scott, Director of Strategic Commissioning and Market Development

Adult Social Services