The Future Norfolk proposal, which has been put together by most of Norfolk’s district council leaders, would see the county council and the seven existing  “tier-two authorities” (district, borough and city councils) replaced by three “super authorities” covering West Norfolk, East Norfolk and the Greater Norwich area.
 
Reepham and the villages to the north and east would become part of the East Norfolk unitary authority (pictured above), along with Fakenham, Great Yarmouth, Wymondham, Loddon, Harleston and Diss, as well as the existing North Norfolk, Broadland and South Norfolk district councils area.
 
Reepham’s neighbours to the south and west would become part of West Norfolk, which includes the current King’s Lynn, West Norfolk and Breckland councils area.
 
Future Norfolk, which comprises every local council except South Norfolk Council and Norfolk County Council, adds that a Greater Norwich unitary authority will allow the city to grow, building more homes and businesses that will benefit the whole economy of Norfolk.
 
The proponents of Future Norfolk argue that three unitary authorities, each with a population of around 300,000, would save £220 million over eight years and provide a better service for both businesses and residents.
 
Broadland and South Norfolk district councils already share their staff, which are now located in one building – the Horizon Centre, previously occupied by Aviva – at Broadland Business Park.
However, the county council is recommending that a single authority for the whole of the county would save money and provide a better service, arguing that smaller authorities will struggle both financially and to adequately provide services for residents.
 
Government ministers will have to decide by spring 2026 which of the two proposals will ultimately provide a better service for council tax payers in Norfolk and save money in the long run.
 
At the earliest, any new councils could be elected in spring 2027 and the “old” councils could cease in spring 2028.