Unitary Status

North Norfolk District Council is currently involved in the discussions surrounding the announcement from the Secretary of State in July 2007 that the Boundary Committee of the Electoral Commission would be asked to advise on the proposal from Norwich City Council that it be granted unitary status.

North Norfolk District Council agree its position on this matter at the Full Council meeting on 19 September, as follows:

"North Norfolk District Council believes that change in the organisation of local government is now inevitable and may involve the introduction of unitary councils in Norfolk.

The principle of unitary local government is to improve the integration and cohesiveness of service delivery, create opportunities for greater efficiencies and impact, and above all, for the benefit of local residents and other stakeholders, clarify responsibilities and strengthen accountability through a single democratic structure.

We acknowledge the Government's intention to request that the Boundary Committee of the Electoral Commission consider the prospects for alternative unitary solutions for Norfolk subject to meeting the Government's five feasibility tests, namely

• Strong, effective and accountable strategic leadership
• Neighbourhood flexibility and empowerment
• Value for money and equity in public services
• Affordability
• Support by a cross section of partners and stakeholders

We therefore believe that the appropriate way forward will be to assist the Boundary Committee in their deliberations and to work collaboratively with the County Council, District Councils and other stakeholders to reach consensus on the potential for a reorganisation of the local government system to actually meet the five above feasibility tests and realistically meet the needs of the people of Norfolk. We recommend that this outcome be achieved through the establishment of an independently chaired Norfolk Convention which would enable all interested parties to participate."

Please refer to the following document for further information:

Councils' Proposal for Unitary Local Government(.pdf, 212kb)
Department for Communities and Local Government