What’s the debate about?
In October 2006 the Government issued an invitation to all councils in England to submit proposals for unitary status. Local Government in Norfolk is based on a two-tier system with the County Council and seven district Councils. A unitary authority is a local authority that delivers the full range of local government services itself, rather than splitting them between county and district.
Norwich City Council responded to this invitation by submitting a bid for unitary status for Norwich in January 2007. In July 2007 the Secretary of State recommended that Norwich’s proposal be referred to the Boundary Committee as it was likely it would not meet the criteria based on the City’s current boundaries.
The Boundary Committee has requested local government in Norfolk to start thinking about unitary concepts and propositions for the county. Outline concepts had to be submitted by 30th November 2007.
What's the latest situation?
The Government hasasked the Boundary Committee to review local government in Norfolk and Suffolk with the view to making recommendations by the end of the year. Breckland Council will continue to deliver and improve services wherever we can. The Council will be working hard to ensure business as usual and Councils across the County will continue to work together.
The Boundary Committee will be advising on workable unitary proposals covering the whole or part of the wider Norfolk county area, or alternative proposals which may involve merging the whole or part of the districts of Great Yarmouth and Waveney. Any proposals will need to demonstrate that collectively they meet the five criteria of affordability, value for money public services, strategic leadership, stakeholder support and neighbourhood empowerment and flexibility.
Breckland Council'spreference is to maintain the status quo but wewill continueto work with the Boundary Committee to ensure the needs of the people of Norfolk are considered and that the best solution is found. The next stage is that the Boundary Committee will meet with all Norfolk Councils on the 25th February where we will learn more about how the forthcoming review will be undertaken.
What is Breckland Council’s preferred option?
There is a great deal of confusion over what is being asked of Councils in Norfolk, Breckland Council would prefer to maintain the status quo.
The Leader of Breckland Council wrote to John Healey MP Minister of State at the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) on 20th November; in his role as Chairman of the Norfolk Local Government Association on two major points of concern:
- Councils are being asked to submit proposals before the terms of reference, on which those proposals will be judged, have been published.
- There is a lack of clarity on whether the status quo can be an option.
- Download letter to John Healey MP (Word doc, 31Kb)
John Healey replied on 30th November, dowload his response.
We would welcome the opportunity to consider the status quo as one of the options. However, we want as many options as possible to be considered for Norfolk to ensure the best solution is found.
We are keen to work with other authorities across the County to ensure a variety of possible solutions are considered. Norfolk County Council has put forward options for a County solution and a solution based on two unitary authorities. We worked collectively with North Norfolk and Great Yarmouth Councils on a solution based on three unitary authorities. West Norfolk & King’s Lynn and South Norfolk Councils are working on a four unitary model.
We also wrote to the Boundary Committee on 21st November to seek clarity on whether the Secretary of State has even asked the Boundary Committee to advise on a system of unitary government for Norfolk. We believe the procedure adopted by the Committee has lacked transparency and consistency, is potentially unfair and seems likely to proceed in a breach of the legitimate expectations of local authorities. Nor does it appear that the statutory authority that the Boundary Committee relied upon in demanding the submission of information by 30th November can be relied upon.
What are the key factors in the debate?
Each proposal must show evidence that it can meet the following five criteria:
- Affordability
- Broad cross-section of support
- Strategic Leadership
- Neighbourhood engagement
- Service delivery
These criteria are outlined in the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Bill. More information can be found on the following links:
For Breckland Council the key consideration is about delivering enhancements in service levels and value for money. It’s about giving local people greater levels of choice and determining what’s important for individual communities. In the proposal that we’re supporting we are stressing the need to move away from a one size fits all model of service delivery.
A balance needs to be struck between improving service delivery and taking advantage of any opportunities that this review provides, in terms of greater empowerment for town and parish councils and community groups. We believe that greater emphasis can be placed upon building on Safer Neighbourhood communities where appropriate. Safer Neighbourhoods is a Police initiative which looks at local solutions for local problems.
How will the debate progress?
There are be four key stages to the debate:
- Stage 1: Early January to late March – Boundary Committee receives evidence for unitary options following receipt of terms of reference
- Stage 2: Early April to late July - Evidence analysed and draft recommendations produced
- Stage 3: Early July to late August - Consult on draft recommendations including boundary issues
- Stage 4: Late August to early December - Analyse responses, produce final recommendations and present to Secretary of State
We will update the website at each stage of the debate.
Have your say
The Boundary Committee will be consulting on draft recommendations in July and August. However, we are very interested in hearing your views, as key stakeholders, before then. We recognise the importance of stakeholder engagement throughout the whole process. Please email us with any questions or comments you have. We aim to reply to all emails within five working days and will update the Q&A document on a weekly basis.
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