Devolution: report finds having fewer councils in Norfolk would save up to £29 million a year
Initial work suggests having one council would save the most, followed by smaller savings for two councils
New figures suggest up to £29 million a year could be saved by having fewer councils in Norfolk.
The data's been published in a new report from Norfolk County Council looking into how the local government might be reorganised as part of devolution plans for the county.
Initial work suggests having one council would save the most, followed by smaller savings for two councils.
Having three or more would cost more money.
At the moment, Norfolk is a two-tier area, with eight councils:
• a county council, which is responsible for key services such as highways and transport, adult social care and children’s services
• seven district councils, which provide services such as bin collections, leisure and housing.
The Government wants to see all eight councils replaced with fewer, unitary councils – which are responsible for all services in their area.
Norfolk County Council and the seven district councils were invited by the Government to submit interim proposals by the 21 March and then develop detailed proposals by 26 September.
The council’s draft interim submission report indicates that having one unitary council in Norfolk would save a recurring £29 million per year and a total of £120 million over five years, repaying its start up costs within a year.
Having two would save a recurring £9.6 million per year after five years and a total of £16.8 million over five years, as it would take more than three years to repay start up costs.
County council leader Councillor Kay Mason Billig said: “People in Norfolk deserve to have the most cost effective and efficient form of local government, with strong links to our communities. I believe we can achieve that, by working together.
“Initial calculations show we can save millions of pounds that can be reinvested in better services, if we do this right.
“That’s why we are determined to be guided by the data, to develop the best possible proposal by September. Our interim submission sets out our thinking so far. There are a number of issues to explore and it’s too early to draw lines on any maps.”
The council’s scrutiny committee will consider the report on 12 March, before the cabinet finalises it on 18 March.
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