This note provides general information for suppliers about Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in Norfolk, and what it means for existing council contracts.

It includes some FAQs and a glossary of key terms at the end.

What is Local Government Reorganisation in Norfolk?

 In Norfolk, the Government has announced its intention to replace the existing county and district councils with three new unitary authorities from April 2028. The three proposed councils are East Norfolk, West Norfolk, and Greater Norwich.

 These new councils will each be responsible for delivering the full range of local government services in their area. This is instead of responsibilities being split between the county and district tiers, as is currently the case.

 The new unitary authorities are due to come into effect on 1^st April 2028, referred to as “vesting day”. This is the point at which responsibilities formally transfer from the existing councils to the new authorities.

 All existing councils across Norfolk are working together collaboratively to prepare for this transition and to ensure services continue to be delivered safely and effectively throughout the reorganisation period.

What does this mean for suppliers right now?

 At this stage, nothing is changing for suppliers.

• All existing contracts remain in place and continue to operate as normal.
• The current councils’ statutory functions and day‑to‑day activities continue unchanged.
• Contract management, payments, and points of contact remain the same.

Key takeaway:

Suppliers should continue to engage with the council named in their contract and follow existing contractual arrangements.

What will happen to contracts at vesting day?

 To support a smooth transition, legislation allows for the automatic transfer of contracts and other legal obligations from the current councils to the new unitary authorities. This is through what is called “Section 16 agreements”.

 Under Section 16 agreements, most contracts held by existing councils will automatically transfer to the relevant new unitary authority on vesting day (1^st April 2028). This means:

• contracts continue without interruption,
• re‑procurement is not required, and
• formal novation is generally not needed.

 This approach provides continuity and legal certainty for suppliers, staff and residents.

However, not all contracts will be suitable for automatic transfer. Some contracts may require review and specific action where, for example, they:

• cover geographies that span more than one new unitary area,
• relate to services that will be delivered differently or jointly after vesting day, or
• would not sensibly or lawfully transfer to a single successor authority.

Where this applies, councils will engage with affected suppliers in advance and work collaboratively to agree next steps. Any contract changes will still need to be undertaken in accordance with the regulations they were procured under and provisions in the contract (e.g. Public Contract Regulation 2015, Procurement Act 2023 etc.)

Key takeaway:

 There is no requirement for suppliers to take any action at this stage.

Keeping suppliers informed

 The councils will continue to provide updates as the reorganisation programme progresses, and as further information becomes available.

Any future changes that affect suppliers will be communicated clearly and in advance.

What is the expected timetable?

Local Government Reorganisation follows a set statutory process.

The transition is expected to include the following high‑level stages:

• Winter 2026: The necessary legal steps are made with Parliament (known as a “Statutory Changes Order”)
• May 2027: New authorities are set up in shadow form, with elections in May 2027. These “Shadow Authorities” get prepared for go live on 1^st April 2028 while the current councils continue delivering their business-as-usual services and duties.
• 1^st April 2028: “vesting day” where the three new authorities go live and take over from the eight existing councils which are formally dissolved.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I need to take any action now?

No. There is no action required from suppliers at this stage. Existing contracts remain in place and operate as normal.

Does Local Government Reorganisation change my contract now?

No. The terms, conditions, scope and duration of your current contract are unchanged.

Will I still be paid in the normal way?

Yes. Existing invoicing, payment arrangements and points of contact remain the same until vesting day. Arrangements beyond that will be communicated in due course.

Who do I continue to deal with under my contract?

You should continue to engage with the existing council named in your contract until you are formally told otherwise.

Will my day‑to‑day contract management arrangements change?

No changes are expected in the short term. Contract management will continue as normal unless suppliers are explicitly informed otherwise.

How will suppliers be kept informed?

Suppliers will receive updates as decisions are confirmed. Any contract‑specific implications will be communicated directly and in good time.

Glossary of Terms

Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)

A Government‑led process to change how local councils are structured, often by replacing a two‑tier system (county and districts) with unitary authorities.

Section 16 Agreement

A statutory provision within Local Government Reorganisation legislation that enables the automatic transfer of contracts and other legal obligations to successor authorities.

Shadow Authority

A newly elected council body that exists before vesting day. Shadow authorities prepare the new councils for taking on full legal powers while existing councils continue to operate.

Statutory Changes Order

The legislation approved by Parliament that legally creates the new unitary authorities and sets out how functions, assets and liabilities will transfer.

Unitary Authority

A single local council responsible for delivering all local government services in its area, replacing the previous county and district arrangements.

Vesting Day

The formal date (1^st April 2028 in Norfolk) when the new unitary authorities assume all local government functions and the existing councils are dissolved.