Rationale for scoring: 2 unitary authorities
7) To what extent do you agree or disagree that the proposal enables stronger community engagement and gives the opportunity for neighbourhood empowerment?
- 1 unitary authority: strongly disagree
- 2 unitary authorities: strongly disagree
- 3 unitary authorities: strongly agree
Councils remain too large and remote
Each proposed authority covers up to 1,430 square miles, making meaningful engagement difficult. Communities in rural and coastal areas will still feel disconnected from decision-makers.
Promises of neighbourhood empowerment lack substance
The proposal outlines Community Boards and new Town/Parish Councils, but these are not fully defined and risk being tokenistic without real decision-making power or resources.
Urban-rural divide undermines local voice
Norwich's priorities will dominate in the East Norfolk council, leaving smaller towns and villages with limited influence. Similarly, rural West Norfolk communities will struggle to shape decisions in such a large governance footprint.
Engagement mechanisms unclear
The proposal does not explain how residents will influence strategic decisions or how neighbourhood-level input will be embedded in planning and service delivery.
