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At our full council meeting on Thursday 25 September, councillors voted to support the submission of the final Future Norfolk (opens new window) proposal to government and made a non-binding recommendation to the Leader to undertake this on behalf of the council. This was submitted on Friday 26 September.
During the meeting, the report was set out by the leader and it was agreed to go forward as this proposal best met the Government's criteria and, above all, put the residents of the borough of Great Yarmouth first. The guiding principles were People. Place. Progress.
People because decisions made closer to communities, with clear accountability and genuine dialogue, deliver services that work and achieve real results for residents
Place because Norfolk's coast, rural areas and urban centres have distinct needs, and a one-size-fits-all approach risks levelling down what matters locally
Progress because joined-up services do not just adapt to changing needs; they provide quicker solutions, simpler routes and better value for public money.
Previously in March 2025, councillors voted to support the development of this final unitary proposal for Norfolk.
At that meeting, the council agreed to adopt the Deloitte report as the Interim Plan for Local Government Reorganisation in Norfolk and submit it to government by 21 March 2025. This decision confirmed support for the three-unitary model as the preferred option, rejecting all other models, and endorsed further collaborative development of this option—including public and stakeholder consultation and preparation of a full business case—for submission to government by 26 September 2025.
High-level timeline
Friday 21 March 2025 - submission of LGR interim plan to government
26 September 2025 - submission of LGR full business case to government
November 2025 - government consultation on LGR in Norfolk
March 2026 - government announce decision on new unitary councils in Norfolk
New unitary councils up and running in Norfolk by 2028
During our engagement around the Future Norfolk proposal, we wanted to hear from as many people as possible across Norfolk - residents, businesses, and community groups. Everyone was invited to tell us about their priorities to help shape our final submission to Government on 26 September.
The findings are part of the submission to government.
This is about People, Place and Progress. Three local councils will bring decisions closer to communities, reflect the different needs of our coast, rural areas and city and deliver joined up services that are simpler, faster and better value for money.
Three unitaries will mean local decisions can be made by local leaders and representatives who live in and understand their communities, services can be shaped by and tailored to the strengths and needs of each area while councils are still large enough to work efficiently in delivering people's priorities across all council services, making the most of opportunities for Norfolk to thrive.
Over 5,000 residents and stakeholders helped shape this plan. We've listened, we've tested the options and we have put forward to Government our practical blueprint for Norfolk's future.
Great Yarmouth Borough Council leader, Councillor Carl Smith
