Over the past few months, there has been a lot of discussion about Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in Norfolk. The idea is simple on paper: merge councils to save money and “simplify” local government.
But simple on paper doesn’t always mean better in practice.
I want to explain why I voted against moving forward with reorganisation, and why I believe it would be one of the worst moves we could make for Great Yarmouth.
Great Yarmouth’s Proposal Was Strong – But “No Reorganisation” Is Still Best
Let me be clear: the proposal put forward by Great Yarmouth Borough Council was a good one. It worked hard to protect local decision-making and gave our area a fighting chance of being heard. But ultimately, even the best proposal still means dissolving the borough council and replacing it with something bigger, more distant, and less connected to our unique local needs.
The best option is to keep decision-making right here, where residents know their councillors and councillors know their communities.
Why a Single Unitary Would Be the Worst Option
Norfolk County Council’s push for a single “super council” is, in my view, the most damaging proposal of all.
- Local voices would be drowned out. Great Yarmouth would be just one small part of a huge county-wide council, with fewer councillors representing many more residents.
- Services would be less responsive. One-size-fits-all policies do not work for a diverse county where coastal towns, rural villages, and urban centres have completely different needs.
- Savings are not guaranteed. Promises of millions in efficiency savings are based on optimistic forecasts — and transition costs could easily swallow much of the benefit.
- Community identity would be weakened. Great Yarmouth is unique. Our priorities, economy, and challenges are different from those in Norwich or King’s Lynn. We can’t afford to lose our independent voice.
The Political Dimension: Labour’s Centralising Agenda
It’s also important to recognise that there is a political agenda behind this push for reorganisation.
Labour have made no secret that they want fewer councils, fewer councillors, and more decision-making concentrated in one place. This isn’t just about efficiency — it’s about reshaping Norfolk’s politics.
A single council covering the whole of Norfolk would:
- Dilute representation from areas like Great Yarmouth, Broadland, and Breckland, where residents have traditionally supported centre-right or Conservative candidates.
- Make it easier for Labour to dominate decision-making by relying on larger population centres that vote more heavily for them.
- Shift local government thinking further to the left, introducing more centralised, top-down policies that don’t reflect the values or priorities of many Norfolk communities.
This is about more than council structures — it’s about who sets the agenda for the future of Norfolk. And I believe that future should not be decided by one party seeking to change the political balance by reorganising the system in their favour.
My Duty Is to Great Yarmouth
Residents elected me to put out local community in Bradwell and Great Yarmouth first — not to rubber-stamp proposals that might look good on a spreadsheet but risk making our town’s voice weaker in the years to come.
Voting against LGR was not an easy decision. It would have been easier to go with the majority, tick the box, and move on. But after listening to residents, businesses, and community groups, I am convinced that keeping decision-making local is the best way to protect our services, our identity, and our future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Wouldn’t reorganisation save money?
A: The savings figures are estimates, not guarantees. The cost of merging IT systems, harmonising staff pay, and restructuring services is huge — and could outweigh any savings for years.
Q: Doesn’t this mean I support the status quo?
A: I support reform where it makes services better — but not change for change’s sake. We can still improve efficiency through shared services, joint procurement, and smarter working without dismantling local councils.
Q: Why not support the Borough Council’s model if it was a good proposal?
A: Because even a good model would still remove local control. Once we give that up, we don’t get it back. The safest and strongest option is to keep decision-making in Great Yarmouth.
Q: Isn’t this about politicians protecting their own seats?
A: Absolutely not. My priority is that residents continue to have councillors they can reach easily, who know their neighbourhoods, and a council that puts Great Yarmouth above all else.
The Bottom Line
Great Yarmouth has a proud history, a strong sense of identity, and big ambitions for the future. We need a council structure that works for us — not one that makes us a footnote in a Norfolk-wide agenda.
I voted against Local Government Reorganisation because I believe local decisions should stay local. I will keep fighting to make sure Great Yarmouth has a strong, independent voice, and work with anyone who will join me in pushing the government to pause this policy to centralise councils, take a breath, and look at it again.
