Local government in Great Yarmouth is facing a seismic shift. Under proposals currently being discussed, Great Yarmouth Borough Council and Norfolk County Council – who have both long been responsible for local decision-making – would be scrapped in favour of a new, remote, mega unitary authority. Supporters claim this will bring efficiency, but in reality, it represents a dangerous centralisation of power that will strip local people of their ability to influence decisions that affect their daily lives.
Labour's Centralisation Agenda
This move is part of the Labour government’s broader agenda to centralise power, weakening local communities and making it harder for residents to have a say in how their towns are run. Instead of empowering local councils, Labour is stripping them of their authority, ignoring the voices of people in places like Great Yarmouth who want decisions to remain local.
The Erosion of Local Democracy
Great Yarmouth Borough Council is the body closest to the people, making decisions on local planning, housing, leisure, environment, and economic development. The proposed reorganisation would see these responsibilities absorbed into a much larger unitary authority potentially covering the whole of Norfolk.
This means that instead of decisions being made by councillors who all live in and understand Great Yarmouth, they will be determined by bureaucrats and politicians who may have no real connection to our town. Vital local knowledge will be lost, and priorities will be set by those in distant offices, not by those who understand the community’s unique needs.
Local Services at Risk
One of the key concerns with abolishing district councils is the impact on local services. Larger unitary authorities often mean one-size-fits-all approaches, leading to:
- Reduced access to local councillors – With fewer councillors representing larger areas, residents will struggle to have their voices heard.
- Cuts to services – Cost-cutting measures could mean scaled-back bin collections, fewer leisure facilities, and less investment in local businesses.
- Lack of accountability – Instead of decisions being made by people elected to represent Great Yarmouth, decisions will be taken by officials who may prioritise bigger urban centres like Norwich over smaller coastal communities.
The False Promise of Efficiency
Proponents of reorganisation argue that a unitary authority will be more efficient. However, evidence from elsewhere in the UK suggests that such changes often lead to increased costs in the short term, with little long-term benefit to local taxpayers. Savings promised by removing district councils can be quickly eaten up by bureaucracy, consultancy fees, and administrative upheaval.
The Fight to Keep Local Decision-Making
Local governance should be about giving communities control, not taking it away. By scrapping our borough council, the government would be removing one of the most effective ways for residents to influence decisions that affect their lives. We must stand together to ensure that Great Yarmouth retains control over its future.
"This proposal by the Labour government will strip local people of their ability to influence decisions, hamper grassroots representation, and take away the 'local' from local government" - Cllr Daniel Candon
Actions I Have Taken to Defend Local Democracy
I have been clear and consistent in my opposition to this reorganisation, ensuring that the voices of Great Yarmouth residents are heard at every level:
- Written to the Secretary of State – I have formally expressed my concerns to the government, outlining the negative impact this will have on our community (residents can read my letter below).
- Engaged with the media and press – I have used local media to highlight the risks of this plan, ensuring the public is informed.
- Spoken out in the council chamber – At every opportunity, I have made my position clear and fought for Great Yarmouth to retain local decision-making powers
Preparing for the Worst-Case Scenario
While I remain firmly opposed to local government reorganisation, it is important that we acknowledge the possibility that the Labour government may push ahead with these changes regardless of local opposition. If we are forced into a new system, we must ensure that the best possible proposals are put forward to protect the interests of residents. This means:
- Advocating for strong local representation – Ensuring Great Yarmouth retains a distinct voice within any new authority.
- Demanding proper funding for services – Fighting to secure fair funding allocations that meet the needs of our community.
- Shaping the new governance model – Working to establish structures that maintain as much local decision-making as possible.
Even if reorganisation is imposed upon us, we must continue to fight for a system that prioritises local residents over remote bureaucrats.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is being proposed?
The proposal would see Great Yarmouth Borough Council abolished and its responsibilities absorbed into a larger unitary authority in Norfolk.
Why should I be concerned?
The reorganisation would remove decision-making from local councillors who understand Great Yarmouth’s needs and transfer it to a larger, more remote body, potentially leading to poorer services, less accountability, and loss of local representation.
Will this save money?
While supporters claim cost savings, evidence from other areas suggests that any short-term savings are often outweighed by administrative costs, service disruption, and new layers of bureaucracy.
What can I do to oppose the plan?
Residents should engage with local councillors, take part in consultations, and voice their concerns to the government. Signing petitions, writing to your MP, and spreading awareness are also key steps in resisting this change.
What are the alternatives?
Rather than scrapping the district council, reforms should focus on improving collaboration between councils while keeping decision-making local. Strengthening, rather than abolishing, local government would ensure that communities retain a strong voice in their own affairs. The most important - ensure that local authorities are properly funded and have the powers necessary to improve resident's lives.
Did councillors on Norfolk County Council vote to cancel local elections in May 2025?
No. County Councillors voted to enter into the priority scheme for local devolution, which the government stealthily tacked on with local government reorganisation, with their arm forced behind their back but trying to find the best outcome for residents. The Labour government then accepted that request to join the scheme, and stated that they would want to see elections postponed for a year (could be more) so that a whole new council structure(s) can be created. The government only have the power to cancel local government elections.
How will reorganisation affect the number of councillors representing our local communities?
The assumption of reorganisation has to be that it will, most likely, result in a reduction in the number of councillors representing local communities.
What is the timeline for devolution and reorganisation?
The pace of change is fast. Local government leaders have indicated that it is moving too quickly and many councils were pressured to make a decision about their intentions, including whether to delay elections, in a very short time frame over the Christmas and New Year break.
The government has granted permission for nine local authority areas to delay their local elections for a year (from May 2025 to May 2026) to accommodate the reorganisation of two-tier authorities to become unitaries.
The timeline for the development of combined authorities is dependent on the election of new mayors. The government currently hopes to hold these in 2026.
Letter to the Secretary of State, dated Monday 20th January 2025
