Rationale for scoring: 3 unitary authorities
6) To what extent do you agree or disagree that establishing the councils in this proposal will support devolution arrangements, for example, the establishment of a strategic authority?
- 1 unitary authority: strongly disagree
- 2 unitary authorities: disagree
- 3 unitary authorities: strongly agree
Strengthens regional governance
The three-unitary model creates balanced representation within the Norfolk & Suffolk Mayoral Combined County Authority (MCCA) avoiding dominance by any single area and ensuring urban, rural, and coastal voices are heard.
Enables strategic planning with local delivery
Councils will focus on local service delivery while the MCCA handles regional priorities like transport, housing, skills, and infrastructure this will align local needs with strategic investment.
Locally informed delivery
Multiple unitaries provide the skills, resources, and local knowledge needed to support the MCCA's commissioning model, ensuring effective delivery of major projects.
Strong geographies for economic growth
Each unitary reflects functional economic areas, enabling coherent collaboration on regional priorities such as clean energy, agri-tech, and housing, but ensures they are shaped for successful local delivery.
Aligns with Government's devolution agenda
The model meets Local Government Reorganisation criteria by creating councils that can partner effectively with a strategic authority to unlock investment and accelerate growth.
