Discussions have started over a major shake-up that would see Norfolk's councils abolished and new ones created.
After the government announced it wanted to see councils redrawn council leaders met on Tuesday (December 17) to begin the process of thrashing out the proposals to submit to the government.
With the prospect of councils being scrapped to be replaced by one or two, larger, unitary councils, with an elected mayor for Norfolk and Suffolk, some have raised concerns that local accountability could be lost.
The expectation that areas will have to give a "clear commitment" to devolution and reorganisation by mid January, if they want to postpone next year's county elections, has also raised eyebrows.
Sam Chapman-Allen, leader of Breckland Council, said he was supportive of a Norfolk and Suffolk mayor but felt the proposals could have been more ambitious.
On local government reorganisation, he said: "There needs to be a bottom-up approach, to ensure we put residents at the heart of it.
"People need to be able to recognise their local councillor and their town halls. They need to feel connected to things like planning and where new homes and schools are put."
Sue Holland, Liberal Democrat leader of Broadland District Council, said: "There is always opportunity to improve the way we do things, but we need to be very careful about how we approach local government reorganisation.
"The last thing we need is for government to impose something based on a ‘one-size fits all’ model."
Tim Adams, Lib Dem leader of North Norfolk District Council, said he was worried a focus on services such as social care and children's services could see services like tourism "squeezed out".
The government wants consensus, but it remains to be seen how that will play out in a county where previous shake-up attempts caused acrimony.
Mike Stonard, Labour leader of Norwich City Council, awarded unitary status in 2010 only for the coalition government to scrap it.
He said: "My role in this is uncomplicated and I will be unflinching in my pursuit of what is needed – getting the best possible deal for Norwich.
"I will work with central government and colleagues across our neighbouring councils to develop and agree the best solution for Norwich and the wider region.
“But there is one thing not negotiable from the city’s perspective and that is getting the best deal for our residents."
Alistair Beales, independent leader of West Norfolk Council, said: "Our top priority will always be to seek and advocate for the best outcome for the communities we serve in West Norfolk, ensuring local government is the right shape and size to deliver efficient, accountable services."
Share