Frequently Asked Questions

Why is local government in Norfolk changing?

The Government announced in December 2024 its intention to replace existing councils in all two-tier areas and create new unitary councils as part of the English Devolution White Paper. They asked councils in Norfolk to put forward the model they think would be best for Norfolk within that framework for the Government to review.

When will Local Government change?

The Government's timetable for Norfolk is to elect to the new Councils in Spring 2027, and "old" Councils cease in Spring 2028. 

What changes will residents see in services? Waste, libraries, planning etc.?

Protecting delivery and continuity will be an important part of transition. There should be no immediate impacts to any services you receive, and Councils will be working on plans to safely transition services into new authorities by 2028. 

How will these changes affect council tax?

Residents already receive one bill, but it currently includes separate lines for district and county. In future, they will still get one bill and all residents in each new council area will pay the same. Future bill changes will depend on the new authorities' decisions and remain subject to nationally-set tax rules. 

Why did you propose these specific new Council geographies?

We carefully tested a wide range of models and options, considering guidance from the Government. We selected these new boundaries on the basis that:
•    We work, as far as possible, with existing District boundaries as the building blocks 
•    We support the creation of a new Greater Norwich to reflect the natural extent of the wider conurbation and provide the city with the space to grow
•    We create a new Western Unitary based on the shared economic geography around Breckland and King's Lynn 
•    We create a new 'Eastern' Unitary based on the Broads, Coast and Rural hinterlands of Eastern Norfolk