Government issues 'minded to' decision on three unitary model for Norfolk
The Government today announced its 'minded to' decision to progress a three unitary model for Norfolk as part of its Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) plans, stating that it believes this structure would provide the best outcomes for residents of Norfolk.
Three options had been submitted for consideration by Norfolk councils: a one‑unitary, two‑unitary and three‑unitary model to replace existing councils in the county.
Great Yarmouth Borough Council had supported the three‑unitary model alongside Breckland District Council, Broadland District Council, the Borough Council of King's Lynn and West Norfolk, North Norfolk District Council and Norwich City Council.
Today's announcement provides the certainty needed to move into the next stage of planning for LGR, with all councils now focused on preparing for the proposed implementation by April 2028. The next phase of work will involve all eight existing councils in Norfolk collaborating to develop the detailed transition plans required to deliver the three‑unitary model for residents.
Under the Government's 'minded to' decision, a final determination cannot be made until the necessary legal processes are completed, which is expected in the autumn. Elections to the new shadow authorities are scheduled for May 2027, with the new councils proposed to become operational in April 2028.
Councillor Carl Smith, Leader of Great Yarmouth Borough Council, said:
Throughout this process, I and fellow councillors have always wanted what is best for the people of Great Yarmouth. Now the Government has decided a three-unitary model of reorganisation is the best way forward, we will focus on the next phase of work to develop the proposed governance and service arrangements for the new authorities so the transition is as smooth as possible for our residents.
In a letter to Norfolk council leaders explaining today's decision, Steve Reed, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, said:
I found that the three unitary proposal would better reflect Norfolk's communities and local identities, drawing on a detailed understanding of local need. It establishes councils that are better aligned to Norfolk's distinct communities and will therefore be able to design and deliver public services that respond more effectively to local priorities across Norfolk's different urban, rural, and coastal areas. I also judged that it would provide more effective balance within the planned Mayoral Strategic Authority for Norfolk and Suffolk, which will support more effective governance at the strategic authority level.
He added three councils will allow public service delivery to fit Norfolk's distinct urban, rural, and coastal community identities and local economic clusters, enabling the new unitaries to best meet local needs, including on housing supply, and addressing local economic and social challenges in a proposal that was supported by six out of eight councils in the area.
You can read Mr Reed's letter to Norfolk council leaders in full.
