Local Government Reorganisation: Future Norfolk survey

The Government has said it is looking to replace existing district and county councils with new unitary councils. This would be the biggest shake-up in local government in 50 years.

The process, known as Local Government Reorganisation, would see Norfolk's eight borough, city, district and county councils replaced by a smaller number of unitary councils.

We are inviting you to tell us about your priorities for the future.

Background

In early 2025, the Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution wrote to all councils in 'two-tier' areas (like Norfolk, where we have a county and district councils) to send in proposals for what the future of service delivery could look like.

Breckland Council is working collaboratively with Borough Council of King's Lynn and West Norfolk, Broadland District Council, Great Yarmouth Borough Council, North Norfolk District Council, and Norwich City Council to respond to the Government's direction that we must draw up proposals for the future of Local Government structures and service delivery.

Breckland's position

Our collective councils believe having three unitary councils would best serve the people of Norfolk (as opposed to having one or two), based on the findings of an independent report - The Strength of Three - and our collective knowledge of our communities.

Our shared Future Norfolk programme outlines how having three councils would bring a local focus:

People: Strengthen local democracy, increase transparency, and make decision-making close to home
Place: Celebrate the unique identity, strengths, challenges, and heritage of different areas
Progress: Build a resilient, sustainable future for Norfolk that can adapt to changing needs

Share your views

As any changes could affect your services and who helps make decisions for your area - both locally and in raising Norfolk's voice nationally - we're inviting everybody to complete a short survey to tell us about your priorities for future services. Your responses will help inform our submission to the Government, which is due to be sent in September 2025.

In early 2026, we expect to hear from Government which proposed structure it supports, before we move into implementing the new structures and approach to services.

You can find out more, share your views by completing the survey, and sign up to receive email alerts as we move through this important process at FutureNorfolk.com