Could West Norfolk Council be scrapped under government plans?
Doubts have been cast over West Norfolk Council’s future amid rumours that the Labour Government is planning to abolish district authorities.
While a new White Paper on devolution across England is yet to be published, reports suggest that some district and borough councils could be scrapped and merged into new unitary authorities.
If this is the case, our borough council - along with the likes of Breckland Council and North Norfolk District Council - could become a thing of the past.
However, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has stressed that a decision has yet to be made.
Cllr Alistair Beales, the leader of West Norfolk Council, says the authority has already entered discussions about the potential impact these changes would have.
He said: “The Government is yet to formally publish its White Paper on English devolution, with its proposals for local government reorganisation, however there is early speculation in the media around what this could mean for council structures in Norfolk and Suffolk.
“We are starting to hold proactive discussions with Norfolk’s other districts to consider the potential implications of the forthcoming White Paper and the issues and opportunities this may present for our communities, which will form the basis of future discussions with Government on this matter.
“It is important this matter is fully considered across Norfolk. As ever, our focus is to seek to steer the best course for the communities of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk.
“Once ministers have published their proposals and set out their case, we will need to work through the issues and aspirations with Government.”
Labour ministers are believed to be in favour of scrapping district councils as part of a new shake-up of local government.
With a lack of details released as of yet, the impact the changes would have on Norfolk County Council remain unclear.
The rumours follow an in-principle devolution deal to bring more powers and funding to the county being scrapped following the general election.
