Maps show how county may look in council shake-up

A Greater Norwich Council is one of the proposals from council leaders

The council map of Norfolk could look very different in three years time, if the government decides to create three new unitary authorities for the county.

The proposal, which has been put together by most of Norfolk's district council leaders, would see the county council and the seven "tier two authorities" (district, borough and city councils) replaced by three "super authorities" covering West and East Norfolk and the Greater Norwich area.

Those behind the "Future Norfolk" proposals say it would save money and provide a better service for businesses and residents.

But this is just one of two proposals which ministers will have to consider. Norfolk County council is suggesting that one single authority for the whole of Norfolk would save money and provide a better service.

The proposal from Norfolk's district council leaders for three unitary authorities

This will be the biggest shake up in local government for more than fifty years.

The government believes that abolishing county and district councils and transferring all their powers to unitary authorities will provide a better service for council tax payers and save money.

It has asked local councils to come up with proposals by 26 September. If there are more than one for each county, it will decide which one is best.

Proposed map of East Norfolk council

The proposed map of West Norfolk

'Three is better than one'

Future Norfolk, which is made up of every local council except South Norfolk council and the county council, argues that three unitary authorities, each with a population of around 300,000 would provide localised and joined up services for residents and save £220m across all three authorities over eight years.

It says it proposal is "data led", having been drawn up by consultants after consultating with local people.

"We are trying to place residents at the front of what we do" said Councillor Sam Chapman- Allen, the Conservative leader of Breckland District Council.

"It is not about political allegiances. This is about best serving residents and businesses."

He said three rather than one unitary authority would allow for strong community engagement with people able to better identify with their local council.

He said that with adult social care and childrens' services under the control of a smaller council rather than a county council as happens at the moment, it would be possible to provide assessments and appropriate help more quickly.

Councillor Alistair Beales, the independent leader of Kings Lynn and West Norfolk council, said that people in the west of the county felt that at times that they lose out because County Hall is so far away.

"The road from Norwich to Kings Lynn can feel very long at times. We've looked at what the county does and we think we can do it better."

Future Norfolk also argues that a Greater Norwich council will allow the city to grow, building more homes and businesses benefitting the economy of Norfolk.

The proposed map of the new Greater Norwich authority

'Smaller councils could struggle'

Norfolk County Council, which will publish its final proposal later this week, argues that one single unitary authority is the only way to save money and to guarantee local services.

It will propose keeping the county council structure, which will also take on all the responsibilities of the current district, borough and city council.

Council leader Kay Mason Billig says smaller authorities will struggle to provide services for residents and recently suggested that smaller councils could struggle financially.

"Our detailed analysis shows that having three councils wouldn't save any money and would actually cost tens of millions more than the current eight authorities.

"That's an expensive luxury that no-one in Norfolk can afford," she said.

When asked about that claim, Councillor Beales from Kings Lynn and West Norfolk said the county council's claims were based on "a flawed conclusion", adding: "I don't care what the county council says. I look at the data and the case for three authorities is robustly sound."