New council system could save millions of pounds

Up to £29 million per year could be saved by having fewer councils in Norfolk, according to new figures.

The figures are in the county council's draft interim submission for local government reorganisation in Norfolk, which was published today, Tuesday, 4 March.

The county council's initial work suggests that having one council would save the most, followed by smaller savings for two councils. Having three or more would cost more money.

At the moment, Norfolk is what's known as a two-tier area, with eight councils:

• a county council, which is responsible for key services such as highways and transport, adult social care and children's services 
• seven district councils, which provide services such as bin collections, leisure and housing. 

The Government wants to see all eight councils replaced with fewer, unitary councils - which are responsible for all services in their area.

Norfolk County Council and the seven district councils were invited by the Government to submit interim proposals on 21^st March and then develop detailed proposals by 26^th September.

The council's draft interim submission report indicate that having one unitary council in Norfolk would save a recurring £29 million per year and a total of £120 million over five years, repaying its start up costs within a year. Having two would save a recurring £9.6 million per year after five years and a total of £16.8 million over five years, as it would take more than three years to repay start up costs. Having more than two would cost more money than the current arrangement.

County council leader Councillor Kay Mason Billig said: "People in Norfolk deserve to have the most cost effective and efficient form of local government, with strong links to our communities. I believe we can achieve that, by working together.

"Initial calculations show we can save millions of pounds that can be reinvested in better services, if we do this right.

"That's why we are determined to be guided by the data, to develop the best possible proposal by September. Our interim submission sets out our thinking so far. There are a number of issues to explore and it's too early to draw lines on any maps."

The council's scrutiny committee will consider the report on 12^th March, before the cabinet finalises it on 18^th March.

The draft interim submission report highlights a range of potential benefits from having a unitary council system, including:

• ending confusion - people would know that one council would deliver all services in their area; 
• delivering value for money - with fewer sets of senior officers, councillors and council headquarters, freeing up money to invest in services; 
• joining up services, to make them more effective  - such as bin collection and waste disposal and enabling housing and social care to work more closely together; 
• ensuring strong local links, through close working with town and parish councils, or local boards. 

You can read the report online . 

For updates on local government reorganisation and devolution, see www.norfolk.gov.uk/devolution