Two councils that have joined forces over local government reorganisation in Norfolk yesterday said they believed the best way forward was for the county to have four unitary councils.
Two councils that have joined forces over local government reorganisation in Norfolk yesterday said they believed the best way forward was for the county to have four unitary councils.
South Norfolk Council and the Borough Council of King's Lynn and West Norfolk say this would secure the best future for Norfolk, its people, the economy and environment.
Unveiling their joint reorganisation plans, the document 'A Vision For Norfolk' is a response to the call for unitary proposals by the Boundary Committee For England's deadline yesterday .
The two authorities say they believe the proposal creates councils on a scale that people can relate to and that reflects the way in which people live their lives, in terms of where they work, where they shop and the way in which they access public services.
South Norfolk Council leader John Fuller said: “Norfolk is a large county. Its geography and the way people live their lives demonstrates that those who live in the east look to Norwich and Great Yarmouth whereas those in the west have a distinctive identity that looks west to Cambridge, Peterborough and beyond.
“This is the very best vision for Norfolk, where democracy and accountability, excellent services and value for money can be delivered to local people.”
Borough Council of King's Lynn & West Norfolk leader Nick Daubney said: “Meetings that I have had with parish councils in West Norfolk and local business suggest that there is strong support for this option, particularly as it recognises the significant distinctiveness and economic importance of the west of Norfolk as a unique sub region, with King's Lynn at its hub.”
The two leaders are now calling on people across Norfolk to back the proposal and send their comments to the two councils.
Comments can go to South Norfolk chief executive Geoff Rivers at grivers@s-norfolk.gov.uk or the King's Lynn and West Norfolk chief executive Ray Harding at ray.harding@west-norfolk.gov.uk.
The document can be downloaded at www.south-norfolk.gov.uk/unitary.
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