Devolution & Local Government Reorganisation
Norfolk announced as priority area for new powers and funding
Norfolk is set to receive new powers and funding following a Government announcement, with the County being a key focus for devolution and local government reform.
Ministers are aiming for a devolution deal that covers both Norfolk and Suffolk, including the creation of an elected mayor. They also plan to replace the existing "two-tier" system, where key services are shared between county and district councils, with unitary authorities.
For more details on the story so far, including the Government's devolution white paper and answers to frequently asked questions from the Local Government Association, visit www.norfolk.gov.uk/devolution. You can also watch our video explaining devolution and local government reform.
In addition, we have responded to the Government request for an ‘Interim Submission’ of our views for Local Government Reorganisation. A copy can be read via Interim Plan Final
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March 25th 2026
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FROM ALISTAIR BEALES. LEADER KING'S LYNN & WEST NORFOLK BOROUGH COUNCIL
Dear parish councils,
I am very pleased to let you know the Government has just confirmed that three unitary councils is its chosen way forward for Norfolk as part of its Local Government Reorganisation agenda.
This positive decision is the right one for Norfolk and we are pleased the Government has listened to our partnership of six councils, who worked so hard together to shape and champion this robust proposal for three unitary authorities, backed by eight local MPs.
The Government agrees that three unitary councils, including a dedicated council for the West, will best serve the people and places of our large and diverse county. A one-size-fits-all mega council for the whole of Norfolk, with Norwich-centric thinking, was never going to be the right way forward.
Three unitaries will deliver clearer local accountability, with democratic decisions made by local representatives closer to communities, and more responsive services tailored to local needs, strengths and opportunities of each area, while still remaining large enough to operate efficiently across all council services.
While three councils will still see the Borough Council of King's Lynn and West Norfolk replaced by a larger authority covering a wider area, we are already asking our residents whether they would like us to set up a town council for King's Lynn, to ensure Norfolk's biggest town continues to have a really strong local voice and civic identity into the future.
We are starting a large and complex phased process, being delivered in line with Government timescales, to create a whole new council delivering all council services. We are already liaising with all Norfolk councils, including Norfolk County Council, to ensure that reform and service integration operates smoothly for our communities, and West Norfolk has a role in driving future change.
As ever, our top priority is continuing to deliver our services well for West Norfolk and to prepare for change to ensure we are in a strong position for reorganisation – to deliver quality services for communities, invest in local priorities and places, and leave a positive lasting legacy for the future.
I will continue to keep you updated with progress.
Thanks,
Alistair.
March 25th 2026
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FROM
Tom McCabe <tom.mccabe@norfolk.gov.uk>
The Government has confirmed plans for reorganisation and is minded to a three unitary council model for Norfolk. Subject to the required statutory and parliamentary steps, this would mean that from April 2028 three new unitary councils would replace the existing eight councils.
What this means for Norfolk
The new structure will include:
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West Norfolk Council (current local government areas of Breckland, King's Lynn and West Norfolk, and 9 parishes from South Norfolk).
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Greater Norwich Council (current local government areas of Norwich, 19 parishes from Broadland, and 16 parishes from South Norfolk).
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East Norfolk Council (current local government areas of Broadland (less 19 parishes), Great Yarmouth, North Norfolk, and South Norfolk (less 25 parishes)).
While this is not the structure Norfolk County Council had proposed, we will work to collaboratively to ensure that the Government's plan for reorganisation delivers councils that are effective, stable and sustainable, and able to work well with partners to deliver high-quality services.
Where to find information on the announcement - You can read the written statement from the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government on the future of local government in Norfolk.
Working collaboratively with partners - We recognise the vital role Town and Parish Councils in supporting local communities. As transition planning develops, we remain committed to ensuring that we work with partners to shape arrangements that are built around communities, shaped by place, and designed to reflect how people live and thrive.
What happens next - Parliament must now approve the legal change that creates the new council.
Our focus is on planning a well-governed transition that keeps services stable and running safely, while we work together to build a new unitary council structure that is stronger, simpler and better able to deliver for Norfolk. We will work collaboratively with the other Norfolk councils, partners and Government to shape the future model and maintain strong partnership working throughout.
Throughout this period, all councils will continue to deliver business-as-usual services and meet statutory responsibilities, with no immediate changes to service delivery.
We will provide further updates as key stages progress, and we will ensure there are opportunities for partners to stay informed and feed into emerging arrangements as they develop.
With regards, Tom McCabe , Chief Executiveom McCabe
Executive Assistant: naomi.alden@norfolk.gov.uk
County Hall, Martineau Lane, Norwich. NR1 2DH
November 2025:
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West Norfolk and King's Lynn Borough Council update
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August 2025:
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NCC Local Government Reorganisation
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NCC working with Parish Councils
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July 2025
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​​​​​​​https://www.west-norfolk.gov.uk/news/article/1885/share_your_priorities_to_shape_strong_vision_for_future_of_council_services_in_norfolk
West Norfolk is one of six district councils in Norfolk currently running a survey related to Local Government Reorganisation proposals. A range of promotional activities are happening as part of our joint “Future Norfolk” engagement campaign.
During July, we are speaking with as many people as possible across Norfolk to invite everyone to complete our Future Norfolk survey to share their priorities and help shape a final submission to the Government this autumn.
I
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Your Norfolk Magazine Spring 25 Devolution
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June 2025 - Local Government Reorganisation Letter / Draft Executive Summary
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