Norfolk's adoption service could merge with Coram Cambridge, an adoption charity, and services in Northampton and Buckinghamshire, as the government plans a 'regionalised' adoption system.

Peter Ronan, head of social work resources at Norfolk County Council, told yesterday's Children's Services Committee he had met with the head of adoption at the Department for Education, and the government expects adoption services would regionalise in 2016, and would be forced to if they did not volunteer.

The re-organisation plans are contained in the Education and Adoption Bill, which is currently going through Parliament.

Mr Ronan said the four bodies had made a join expression of interest, but the proposed merger was not definite, but was at a 'speed dating' stage.