Breckland Council leader Sam Chapman-Allen ‘flabbergasted’ at how quickly Norfolk devolution deal is set to proceed
A council leader has been left “flabbergasted” at how quick an impending devolution deal in Norfolk is set to proceed.
On Wednesday, our county was confirmed as one of the priority areas for devolution - meaning district councils are essentially certain to be abolished within a matter of years.
Ministers want to see a devolution deal covering Norfolk and Suffolk, with an elected mayor.
However, Cllr Sam Chapman-Allen, the leader of Breckland Council - which covers towns such as Swaffham - has serious concerns over early suggestions as to how the deal will work.
On Wednesday, he said: "While I remain very supportive of the principles of devolution, the genuine transfers of power from Whitehall to local people, the creation of a Combined Mayoral Authority and support for the role off local government, I am left flabbergasted at the Government’s latest statements.
"In January, I expressed my grave concerns that councils were sleepwalking into enabling irreversible damage to local services, stealth cuts, tax rises, and a fundamentally poor deal for local people.
“Unfortunately, today’s statements seem to confirm my worst fears. I am now very worried for residents of Breckland who can now expect to move from one of the lowest council tax areas in the country, to stomaching massive increases.
"We have today heard that the Government plans to abolish councils in Norfolk and Suffolk (and across the country) within the next two years and are expecting proposals from areas to support this before the end of March.
“Giving places, and people, literally days to come up with new plans – with no material guidance or expectations shared in advance. It feels beyond reckless to be rushing this.
“I am not afraid of change and have no intention of defending the status quo for the sake of it. However, we work in systems that have evolved over 50 years and it is irresponsible to hash the next evolution of local government overnight.
“Any reorganisation needs to keep local government genuinely local, reflecting the geography and economy of a place, whilst preserving and strengthening democratic accountability and representation.”
Cllr Chapman-Allen added: "Given the Government’s position, it is now incumbent on leaders and places across Norfolk and Suffolk to make the best of the situation and work to avoid local government reorganisation becoming a poor deal for communities.
“I will be continuing to make it my key priority to be working with all parties - and partners - to make the best of this for our residents and businesses."
