Norfolk district councils hit back by saying three new authorities would best serve residents following devolution

District and borough councils have insisted a three-authority model would best serve Norfolk by putting “people and places at the heart of local services”.

Several councils have hit back following the publication of a report by Norfolk County Council yesterday which claimed replacing Norfolk’s eight authorities with one would deliver the biggest benefits to residents.

This comes amid Government plans 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.

Having one council to cover the full county would “cut costs, join up services for residents and ensure strong financial foundations”, according to the draft options appraisal report from the county council.

However, a joint statement from district council leaders Alistair Beales (West Norfolk), Sam Chapman-Allen (Breckland), Sue Holland (Broadland), Carl Smith (Yarmouth), Tim Adams (North Norfolk) and Mike Stonard (Norwich City) has hit back at these arguments.

The council bosses said: “Our comprehensive vision for a three-unitary model for the county will deliver significant benefits for our communities - including improved public service outcomes, enhanced local economic growth, and stronger democratic representation.

“Naturally, we need some time to fully review the figures and assumptions made in today’s report and we are committed to working collaboratively with Government, local partners, and communities to shape a model that is both ambitious and achievable.

“We do not agree that a single unitary approach is best for Norfolk as, by contrast, our ‘three’ model would enable a tailored approach to local economies and housing, recognising the distinct characteristics and needs of each area.

“We believe it is important to maintain the strength of local democracy by ensuring decision-making is made by elected officials closely connected to their communities, celebrate the unique strengths of different areas and provide services which best meet those local needs, and ensure the organisations providing services are sustainable and adaptable to the emerging needs of tomorrow.

“Our proposal puts Norfolk people and places at the heart of local services while also being financially strong.”

West Norfolk residents will no doubt be wondering whether or not an authority covering the whole county would be able to effectively represent them.

An increased focus on Norwich will also be a worry for people elsewhere in Norfolk.