Today a Three Unitary Model was selected by Government – North Norfolk District Council Statement

Date published: 25th March 2026

The Government has today announced its ‘Minded To’ decision on the future shape of local government in Norfolk. Existing Councils at Borough, City, District and County levels will be replaced by Three Unitary Authorities – the model that was backed by North Norfolk District Council and five others. 
 
Cllr Tim Adams, Leader of the Council, said: 
 
“The submission this Council made with others for a Three Unitary model in Norfolk has succeeded, and I firmly believe this was the best option in the context of the Government’s decision to reorganise local government. 
A lot of work has taken place to get us to this point, now a lot more lies ahead as we collaborate with colleagues across Norfolk to shape the future.  
I want to say to our residents in North Norfolk and beyond in the areas that will form the new East Norfolk Unitary authority, our priority is you. We will work to deliver on the promises made in our submission and address the challenges we face together.” 
 
Steve Blatch, Chief Executive NNDC, said: 
 
“I am pleased that Government Ministers saw the powerful case we made in our submission for a Three Unitary Authority and backed this model which recognises our unique rural and coastal communities, which a larger authority would not have been able to prioritise. 
 
“At the core of the submission North Norfolk District Council made in collaboration with our five partner councils was a commitment to improve the services we provide to our residents and council taxpayers, while addressing the specific challenges of an older demographic, difficulties of rural service provision, and the pressure of affordable housing faced by our communities. 
 
“While today marks a milestone in the story of North Norfolk, I am proud to reflect on the achievements of the District Council over the past 50 years and look forward to shaping a modern and inclusive future Council. I also want to pay tribute to the tremendous amount of hard work already done by NNDC Members and Officers in the development of the Three Unitary proposal and look forward to collaborating with our partners across Norfolk to deliver this once in a generation change.”