25/03/26: Western Leaders welcome the new "West Norfolk Unitary"
MPs and Leaders from across the west of Norfolk have today (25 March) welcomed the Government's decision to create a new unitary council comprising the districts of Breckland, King's Lynn and West Norfolk, and a small portion of South Norfolk, which will include the services currently delivered by Norfolk County Council.
All MPs and Leaders covering this West Norfolk area backed the 'Future Norfolk' submission to Government in September 2025. Following consultation and consideration, the Secretary of State has today confirmed the Government's "minded to" decision to proceed with the proposal to create three unitary councils for Norfolk.
The 'Future Norfolk' proposal sets out the best possible vision as to how local government reorganisation can be delivered in a way that ensures new councils are of an appropriate scale, remaining local to the communities they serve, whilst achieving savings.
Cllr Sam Chapman-Allen, Breckland Council's Leader, commented: "I welcome the Government's announcement today. As much as I would have preferred the status quo, the three unitary proposal developed by Breckland Council and our partners, with the priorities of local people in mind, sets out a strong vision for the future of local government placing residents at the heart of how we deliver services for them in Norfolk.
"Three unitary councils will be large enough to work efficiently across all council services and with Health and other partners and, of the choices available, remains the most democratically representative and responsive to local resident's needs."
Cllr Alistair Beales, Borough Council of King's Lynn and West Norfolk's Leader, said: "This positive decision is the right one for Norfolk and we are pleased the Government has listened to our local communities and our partnership of six councils, who worked so hard together to shape and champion this robust proposal for three unitary authorities, backed by eight local MPs.
"The Government agrees that three unitary councils, including a dedicated council for the West, will best serve the people and places of our large and diverse county. A one-size-fits-all mega council for the whole of Norfolk, with Norwich-centric thinking, was never going to be the right way forward.
"Three unitaries will deliver clearer local accountability, with democratic decisions made by local representatives closer to communities, and more responsive services tailored to local needs, strengths and opportunities of each area, while still remaining large enough to operate efficiently across all council services.
"While three councils will still see the Borough Council of King's Lynn and West Norfolk replaced by a larger authority covering a wider area, we are already asking our residents whether they would like us to set up a town council for King's Lynn, to ensure Norfolk's biggest town continues to have a really strong local voice and civic identity into the future.
"We can be proud of the great partnership work and community engagement that has happened across six councils over the last year. We are already speaking with all eight councils to ensure that reform and service integration operates smoothly for the people of our fine county, and West Norfolk has a role in driving future change."
Terry Jermy MP, Member of Parliament for South West Norfolk, commented: "I backed the three Council model from the outset and I am therefore delighted the government has endorsed these proposals. West Norfolk is a great place to live and work and our area has so much potential. With one Council being able to focus on the needs and opportunities available to us, I look forward to seeing that potential realised in the years ahead."
James Wild MP, Member of Parliament for North West Norfolk, said: "The Government's policy to impose Local Government Reorganisation has been chaotic and costly at a time when people want a focus on the day job of fixing potholes, delivering social services, special educational needs, adult learning, cleaning the streets, and supporting our high streets and economy.
"During this process, my priority has been ensuring efficient, accountable, and financially sustainable services reflecting local needs. I support a new unitary for West Norfolk based in King's Lynn, as it offers the potential for more locally innovative services, providing greater accountability, and supporting economic opportunities and investment.
"In selecting the three unitary model and making this decision, the Secretary of State has confirmed the Government believes this proposal can be delivered on a sustainable financial basis and the funding must ensure that is the case."
George Freeman MP, Member of Parliament for Mid Norfolk, said: "The hard-pressed taxpayers of Mid Norfolk want to see greater efficiency, accountability and joined up thinking in public services. Ministers have promised that's what this change from two different layers of District and County councils to Unitary Councils will deliver, with real devolution of powers locally.
"The £60m transition costs are substantial so it's vital taxpayers see real improvement and enhanced powers locally. With that in mind I'm pleased Ministers have listened to those of us asking for three local councils which will be better able to speak for the specific needs of the different parts of Norfolk."
