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:
Read the press release"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.
FAQs
Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) is the process of changing the structure and responsibilities of local authorities. The Government has plans to move away from the current two-tier system of district and county councils in England. For most areas, this will involve creating councils with a population of 500,000 or more. However, there may be exceptions where smaller or more tailored structures are needed, and decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis.
The English Devolution White Paper outlines the Government’s plans to transfer more powers from Westminster to local areas and reform local government. This includes a range of proposals on devolution and local government reorganisation. The Government sees devolution as a key part of building a more effective and fair economy. They view this process as a long-term project that will transform the way local government works. The Government has asked councils in two-tier areas, like Norfolk, to explore how local government could be simplified and made more efficient. The aim is to ensure that councils deliver high-quality services, provide value for money, and remain responsive to local needs.
A unitary authority is a single-tier local government responsible for all services in an area. A Unitary Council can cover a whole county, part of a county, or a large town or city.
This is relevant to all of the District, City and Borough Councils and the County Council. This does not affect Town and Parish Councils.
The Government has invited councils in Norfolk to propose changes to local government structures. Currently, services are delivered through a two-tier system, with:
- Norfolk County Council providing countywide services such as social care, highways, and education.
- Seven District and Borough Councils delivering local services such as planning, housing, and waste collection.
The district councils in Norfolk worked together to submit an Interim Plan to the Government on 21 March 2025. Although no final decision has been made, reorganisation could involve replacing the two-tier system with one or multiple unitary councils responsible for all local government services.
South Norfolk Council has expressed its preference for a Two-Unitary Model for Norfolk at its meeting on 18 March 2025. You can click here to view the proposals.
Throughout the reorganisation process, we are focused on continuing to deliver essential services to local residents. The goal of any reorganisation would be to improve services and make them more efficient. However, the impact will depend on the chosen model. We are committed to ensuring that key services continue to meet the needs of local residents.
At this stage, it’s too early to predict how Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) will affect Council Tax. However, any proposals will need to take into account the financial implications, including how services are funded and whether Council Tax levels across different areas will need to be harmonised.
The White Paper acknowledges that people value the role of governance at the community scale and that can be a concern when local government is reorganised. The White Paper sets out that the Government wants to see stronger community arrangements when reorganisation happens in the way councils engage at a neighbourhood or area level. The Government has stated it will also rewire the relationship between town and parish councils and principal local authorities, strengthening expectations on engagement and community voice.
Businesses may benefit from streamlined services, such as licensing, planning, and business support, under a unitary authority. A more consistent approach to economic development across Norfolk could also offer opportunities for growth and investment.
Here is the outline timeline provided by the Government in the White Paper, including both proposed and confirmed dates. Further dates will be confirmed as the process progresses.
| Date | Activity |
|---|---|
| 21 March 2025 | Submission of interim Local Government Reorganisation proposal (completed) |
| 26 September 2025 | Submit full Local Government Reorganisation proposal |
| April/May 2027 | Proposed elections (Shadow authorities) |
| April 2028 | Proposed vesting day for new unitary councils |