Councillor Daniel Elmer, Leader of South Norfolk Council

We believe that the residents of Norfolk will be best served by establishing two unitary councils. One serving Norwich and East Norfolk, including Great Yarmouth, and the other covering West Norfolk.

The Government’s invitation letter to councils, set out a series of criteria to be achieved through reorganisation. From that letter, our strong belief is the criteria of ensuring there is improved public service delivery for our residents, should be at the core of our decision making.

Establishing a two unitary model achieves the right balance between delivering cost effective public services while at the same time protecting the identities of our local communities and local economy.

Reflecting economic geographies will help us to unleash the economic potential of Greater Norwich and Great Yarmouth by ensuring their full commuter zones are covered by one council. It will ensure rural communities are not cut off from their major tax bases and service centres.

The two unitary model is also the most optimal proposal which achieves the Government’s 500,000 population guideline in one unitary, and close to the guideline in the other – all without the need to break up communities and district boundaries. A solution that will allow speedy delivery and avoid unnecessary legal costs.