Norfolk reacts to Boundary Committee draft proposal

Added: 07/07/2008
Category: Norfolk County Council

Daniel Cox, Leader of Norfolk County Council, said: "We submitted a very strong and clear case for a new, single unitary council based on hard evidence. I'm pleased that the Boundary Committee has recognised the strength of our carefully considered case today and look forward to hearing views in the weeks ahead.

"We said all along that one, new local council for the whole of Norfolk would be the simplest, clearest and most cost efficient solution. It is the least disruptive in terms of its impact on the 'big ticket' services such as social care and education and I am pleased today's draft proposal keeps Norfolk and Norwich together.

The addition of Lowestoft is an interesting proposition. In making it, the Boundary Committee is clearly persuaded about the close connection between Yarmouth and Lowestoft. We will consider this carefully, talk with our colleagues in Lowestoft and Suffolk and listen to what others, especially local stakeholders, have to say.

"There is a long way to go before the Boundary Committee is in a position to make a final recommendation - and there will then be further time before we get a decision from the government.

"Work to test the affordability of the draft proposal starts now. We are confident that by replacing so many local authorities with one, a new single council for Norfolk and Lowestoft would readily demonstrate its worth. It would enable the lowest level of council tax, deliver the quickest level of savings and put the most money back into valued public services.

"I am very clear that this draft proposal would not create some sort of super county council - far from it. The proposed new council would be completely new, building on the best from all the current councils, looking and feeling local wherever people live. It would be very simple to contact and easy to access and no-one will be in any doubt about who does what and who is responsible for what. "

*You can read Norfolk County Council's submission for a single unitary council at www.norfolk.gov.uk/lgr