Breckland District Council are preparing a District response to the national consultation on “Local Government Reform and Devolution”, where they intend to highlight some of concerns about the process and rationale. They are running their own more detailed consultation on “Local Government Reorganisation” and “Devolution” (see below) to help inform our position. They have been working with other District Councils in Norfolk and Suffolk on potential responses and solutions – IF there is a forced “reorganisation” locally. The initial findings of that work are due to be debated by Breckland Members on 20th March at a special council meeting
Whilst Breckland preference remains the status quo we have highlighted the significant relative strengths of a “three” unitary solution in Norfolk, particularly relative to the weaknesses of a large single unitary council. This evidence will be published with our Council papers shortly, and will be debated by Members.
Please use this link to go to the survey FutureEast
Potential Timetable
The LGR and “Devolution” Timetable is subject to considerable potential change. Whilst the Government has stated indicative milestones, much of this requires further legislation and significant activity to enable. However the current understanding is for Norfolk / Breckland (for both devolution and LGR):
March 21st 2025 – All 2-Tier authorities submit “interim plans”
Sept 26th 2025 – Final LGR proposals submitted to Government for Norfolk
Early 2026 – Government plans to make decisions on LGR proposals
May 2026 – Potential Norfolk/Suffolk Mayoral Election and County Council elections
Summer 2026- Government plans to lay LGR legislation
May 2027 – Shadow Unitary Elections
April 2028 – New Unitary Go Live