LGR FAQs

What is the difference between LGR and Devolution?

Devolution is the transfer of powers and funding from national government to local government. Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) is focused on how the powers and funding that sit with local government are organised between councils.

In Norfolk & Suffolk, an election for a Mayor is anticipated to take place in May 2028.

How is a unitary authority different to a district or county council?

Unitary authorities are a single tier of local government that are responsible for delivering all local services in their respective area. The current arrangement in Norfolk sees the lower tier of local government (district, borough and city) delivering certain services, whilst the upper tier (Norfolk County Council) deliver other services.

What is a shadow authority?

A shadow authority is elected to carry out the functions of a new unitary council until that authority formally comes into effect. This is commonly called "vesting day". 

On anticipated timelines for Norfolk, elections to shadow authorities would take place in May 2027, with vesting day taking place in April 2028.

Will councillor numbers stay the same?

No. As a result of LGR, the number of local authorities across Norfolk is reduced. As a result, the number of elected councillors will be reduced also. This will mean that a councillor in Norfolk will represent a larger electorate than before.

What new unitary authority will represent me?

The three unitary proposal recognised that, to achieve an optimal solution for LGR, adhering strictly to existing district boundaries would not work. Therefore, the three new unitaries do not align fully with the current boundaries of current councils.

You can see a map of the new unitary areas below.