South Norfolk Council: Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in Norfolk

The Government is reorganising two-tier areas in England (e.g. areas which have both a County Council and a District Council) to create more efficient and streamlined structures in the form of new Unitary Councils. Unitary Councils are a single tier of local government responsible for all local services in an area.

For Norfolk, this means fewer and larger Unitary Councils compared to the current two-tier model which has a total of eight local councils covering the county. The exact number and shape and size of any new Unitary Councils for Norfolk is to be determined. All Councils in Norfolk submitted reorganisation proposals to the Government on or before 26 September 2025.

On 19 November 2025, the Government released the consultation to gather views on all LGR proposals across Norfolk.

South Norfolk Council has developed a business case for submission to Government, seeking to explore the opportunities of a two-unitary model for Norfolk.

The plan outlines the creation of two new unitary authorities: Norwich & East Norfolk and West & North Norfolk. This ambitious blueprint for change aims to drive efficiency, strengthen accountability and improve outcomes for residents. It builds on existing district boundaries to minimise disruption and unlock significant benefits for all local residents.

Leader of South Norfolk Council, Cllr Daniel Elmer said:

"The two unitary proposal offers a vision for a stronger, more agile Norfolk. It isn't just a restructuring, it's a strategic renewal designed to create a more effective, responsive, and resilient County that is fit for the future. By replacing the current system with two streamlined unitary authorities, we can deliver better services, faster decisions, and stronger local leadership.”

High level timeline

• Friday 21 March 2025 – submission of LGR interim plan to Government (completed)
• Friday 26 September 2025 – submission of LGR full business case to Government (completed)
• New unitary councils up and running in Norfolk by 2028

You can see a series of frequently asked questions at the end of the page.

If you have a question that is not covered by the below, or you feel that an answer requires further clarification, please email lgr-snc@southnorfolkandbroadland.gov.uk and we will consider it for inclusion.

Local Government Reorganisation FAQs

The Government’s Devolution White Paper and subsequent direction from Ministers requires all local authorities in areas where there are currently two tiers of local government, to develop proposals for re-organisation.

This will be a once in a generation change that effects local people and services for decades to come and it is important that there is proper consideration of the options and meaningful consultation with residents, key local organisations, including business, and our public sector partners.

These are ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ for residents at this early stage in the process.