Breckland District Councillors who represent Swaffham argue three tier authority is best going forward
District councillors have argued that a three tier authority would be the best way going forward for Breckland.
Breckland District councillors David Wickerson, Judy Anscombe and Jacob Morton were asked by Swaffham Town Council for their views on devolution.
At the full council meeting held last Wednesday, Cllr Les Scott asked the trio about how cost-effective it would be to have three councils.
He said: “Having a unitary council is supposed to save a lot, having two councils would mean lesser savings and having three councils would give a net loss. Do you agree with that?”
Last week, the leader of Norfolk County Council, Kay Mason Billig, said that having one council for the whole of Norfolk is the “only sensible option”.
The Government wants to replace existing county and district councils in England with fewer, unitary councils, which deliver all services in their area. It has asked councils to submit options.
A new report by the county council claims that replacing Norfolk’s eight councils would save £36.2million per year and deliver the “biggest benefits to residents”.
In response to Cllr Scott’s question, Cllr Wickerson said: “Breckland favours having three councils.
“Norfolk County Council has voted for one unitary council. We have until September to find out what is happening to us, watch this space.”
Cllr Morton added: “For Norfolk to have one unitary council, it would be the biggest authority in the country. We would have to form subcommittees.
“The Government is looking for a population of half a million to have one authority.
“But it is not just about set-up factors, it is about set-up costs. The Government has said it would not be providing set-up costs for these councils.”
Cllr Wickerson expressed financial concerns, saying that Breckland District Council does not have any debts.
He said: “Whatever happens, these unitaries will be accepting the council’s accounts.
“Breckland does not have any debts. We have a comprehensive property portfolio, which lets us charge lower council tax fees.”
