Resurfacing, bridge and and infrastructure improvement work at Train Wood, Norwich

In respect of Local Government Reorganisation (“LGR”), on 7 September 2026 the government withdrew an earlier decision that it was minded to establish three unitary councils for Norfolk and announced a ‘rapid review’ of its LGR programme in respect of Norfolk and some other areas.

On 4 December 2025, the then Secretary of State for Local Government made a written statement [UIN HCWS1128] stating that the government intended to establish a Mayoral Strategic Authority for Norfolk and Suffolk as soon as possible, and that it was minded to hold inaugural mayoral elections in May 2028.

On 7 September 2026, the current Secretary of State said: “The Prime Minister is really clear that the Government’s ambition is to ensure that every area in England has, or is in the process of establishing, a strategic authority by the end of 2027, with strategic authorities in place everywhere by the end of 2028”.

Should LGR and/or devolution processes lead to unitary local government in Norfolk and/or to the establishment of a strategic authority covering Norfolk (i) the contract may be transferred, assigned or novated to any successor authority(ies) to the county council, or to any joint body incorporating or formed by any such successor and/or to any strategic authority; and/or (ii) the council or a successor authority or joint body may order services on behalf of other local authorities serving any area within Norfolk's current geographical boundaries.