local government reorganisation - background
norwich city council's unitary bid
In 2007 Norwich City Council submitted two bids for unitary status to Government.
The first bid was based on its existing boundaries. The second bid, which the City described as 'innovative' would take in all the Broadland parishes around the urban fringe: Drayton, Gt & Little Plumstead, Hellesdon, Horsford, Horsham & Newton St Faith, Old Catton, Postwick, Rackheath, Spixworth, Sprowston, Taverham and Thorpe St Andrew. Also included in the bid were a number of parishes in South Norfolk.
If Norwich City Council were successful in their bid to include parts of Broadland and South Norfolk, it would mean Broadland District Council would no longer be viable and the remaining parishes would need to transfer to Great Yarmouth Borough Council, North Norfolk District Council or Breckland Council for their services.
DCLG reject bid
In July 2007, Norwich City Council's proposal based on the City's current boundaries was rejected by the Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG), however, the Boundary Committee will be asked to advise whether an extended boundary unitary proposal could deliver the required improvements.
For full details of their decision please see the DCLG press release.
further background information
Broadland's response to unitary bid
Broadland District Council, South Norfolk District Council and Norfolk County Council all voiced strong opposition to the bid, as did a number of town and parish councils.
Broadland submitted a response to the unitary bid to Ruth Kelly, Secretary of State for Local Government and Communities which can be found in the documents below.
Letter from minister
Simon Woodbridge Leader of Broadland District Council received a letter from Phil Woolas, Minister for Local Government confirming that Norwich City Council's non-compliant bid (for unitary status on expanded boundaries) will not be considered.
However, there is still the chance that this issue could be resurrected as the Bill that is going through Parliament allows future changes.
The letter from the Minister can be found in the documents below.
documents
summary of draft proposals for unitary government in norfolk and suffolk [PDF, 101 Kb]
consultation response - letter from group leaders - 19 june 2007 [PDF, 33 Kb]
unitary response [PDF, 249 Kb]
unitary response - appendices 1-4 [PDF, 311 Kb]
unitary response - residents letters [PDF, 1824 Kb]
unitary response - parish council and police letters [PDF, 1611 Kb]
letter from minister [PDF, 166 Kb]
unitary bid - corporate presentation [PDF, 233 Kb]
press releases
leader's statement on unitary announcement - released 25/07/07
consultation ends on unitary bid - released 25/06/07
shortlisted bid threatens broadland - released 27/03/07
colin bland on unitary - released 16/01/07
council leaders call on minister - released 8/12/06
related pages
local government reorganisation FAQs
norwich city council's unitary bid - letters (archived)
letter to the boundary committee
broadland district council - comment on unitary (archived)
five criteria any unitary proposal must meet (archived)
contact us
| Communications |
|---|
| Broadland District Council Thorpe Lodge 1 Yarmouth Road Thorpe St Andrew Norwich NR7 0DU |
| tel: 01603 430523 |
| fax: 01603 430614 |
| email: unitary@broadland.gov.uk |