Norfolk confirmed as priority area for devolution - with district councils to be scrapped

Norfolk has been confirmed as one of the priority areas for devolution - meaning district councils are essentially certain to be abolished within a matter of years.

The county is set for new powers and funding following an announcement from Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner today.

Ministers want to see a devolution deal covering Norfolk and Suffolk, with an elected mayor.

They also want ‘two tier’ areas like Norfolk - where responsibility for key services is split between county and district councils - to replace existing councils with unitary authorities.

This means the likes of West Norfolk Council, Breckland Council and North Norfolk District Council will soon become a thing of the past.

It has also been confirmed that, in order to quickly proceed with these changes, controversial plans to postpone this May’s county council elections have been approved.

County council leader Kay Mason Billig said: “I’m delighted that the Government has placed Norfolk and Suffolk on the priority programme for devolution and local government reform.

“This shows ministers’ confidence that we can deliver economic growth and jobs, building on our work on the previous devolution bid.

“To give us the time we need for the complex work of setting up a Mayoral County Combined Authority, on a very tight timescale, the Government is putting orders in place to postpone May’s county council election.

“We also have the opportunity to create a council system that is fit for the future. I hope that Norfolk’s district councils will work with the county council on local government reform, to explore how we can create the most efficient and cost-effective way of delivering the services our residents need.

“I will keep you updated as and when more detail becomes available.”

Norfolk was previously issued with a devolution deal during the previous Conservative Government, but this was scrapped when Labour came to power.

The exact timetable for the new deal to come into effect has yet to be confirmed.

CllrAlistair Beales, leader of the borough council, said: “I hope that joining this first wave of devolution, rather than waiting for future opportunities, will mean additional investment for Norfolk.

“I will continue to engage constructively in ongoing discussions, both around devolution and local government reorganisation always with a view to doing the best for our West Norfolk community.

“I am disappointed with the decision to postpone May's county council elections until May 2026, which this council has strongly opposed on the basis that people should not be denied their right to vote.

“Fortunately, the postponement is just for one year and I am in no doubt that was influenced by the opposition of this council and others.

“Much more detail is needed and most importantly, the transition between current and future arrangements. Norfolk people, particularly the more vulnerable among us, cannot afford any disruption to services during that period.”

Terry Jermy, the MP for South West Norfolk, said: “I very much welcome the opportunities that will come from devolution - this is fundamentally about transferring power to local communities who have long been disenfranchised and felt undervalued and unheard.

“I want to see improvements for residents, and it is clear the current system is not delivering sufficiently for South West Norfolk communities and it can be improved.”

On the postponement of elections, he added: “I understand the concerns, but this is not unprecedented, but I see no point in electing councillors to serve on a council which will cease to exist next year.

“The estimated cost of the election in Norfolk alone is £1million - I would much rather than money was spent on public services in our county.”

James Wild, MP for North West Norfolk, said: "After the Government’s scrapping of the previous Norfolk deal, today’s announcement provides clarity that Norfolk is now a priority area for devolution which offers significant potential.

“It's crucial local councils now work collectively to shape a deal that benefits our community.

“While we aim for growth and efficiency, it is vital any new arrangements do not become remote from the people they serve and that proposals are published in good time to allow local residents to voice their opinions.

“I will be engaging with councils, businesses, and residents to ensure Norfolk secures a devolution deal that drives prosperity while remaining accountable to those it represents."