Two is a partnership, three’s a crowd.

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.

The plan 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.”

Replacing the existing system with two unitary authorities will:

• Unblock housing and drive growth: streamlined governance and strategic planning will unlock development sites and infrastructure investment. By aligning the new authorities with existing economic areas, decisions will reflect real patterns of work, travel, and commerce, maximising their impact.

• Deliver savings and smarter services: this plan is projected to generate substantial savings, with a net saving of £72 million in 2028/29, rising to £90 million by 2029/30. This financial strength and resilience will help absorb economic shocks while ensuring services remain responsive and tailored specifically to meet local needs.

• Empower communities and strengthen local identity: by respecting established boundaries and enhancing local accountability, the new structure will encourage and protect residents’ pride in where they live and ensure decisions are made closer to the people they affect. This reflects the demands of local residents, with 78% wanting to protect their local identity.

This two-unitary model consistently outperforms all other options and meets or exceeds all six of the government's criteria. Its practical, cost-effective approach minimises disruption by using existing district boundaries and county divisions, enabling a smooth and rapid transition with an implementation target of April 2028.

The proposal simplifies local democracy by consolidating functions and reducing duplication. It will achieve a 58% reduction in the total number of councillors and introduce community boards aligned with neighbourhoods to ensure streamlined representation and stronger democratic engagement. The two unitary model is not only a credible and easily deliverable proposition for Norfolk, it is a plan to secure better outcomes for residents, unleash Norfolk’s full economic potential, and deliver a modern system of local democracy worthy of the local communities it will serve for the next 50 years.