Norfolk County Council has withdrawn from planned local government reorganization and devolution efforts, following accusations that the government attempted to influence the timing of local elections in exchange for funding and powers. The move comes after the government reversed its decision to postpone elections at 30 councils undergoing reorganization, a change prompted by a legal challenge from Reform UK.
Devolution Deal Collapses
Kay Mason Billig, the Conservative leader of Norfolk County Council, stated that her council can no longer participate in the devolution plans or local government reorganization due to the need to simultaneously prepare for elections in May. She described the situation as a “mess” created by the government’s “election hokey cokey,” and declared, “The contract is broken.”
The council leader accused Local Government Secretary Steve Reed of acting as a “two-faced bully” and attempting to force the council into agreeing not to request a delay to local elections in return for access to the devolution priority program. She stated she had never met or spoken with Secretary Reed.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government refuted these claims, stating that Norfolk’s inclusion in the devolution program was not dependent on the timing of local elections and that the government remains committed to working with local partners.
Concerns Over Wider Reorganization
The U-turn on postponing elections raises concerns about the feasibility of the largest council shake-up in 50 years. Daniel Elmer, leader of South Norfolk council, expressed concern that the promised benefits of local government reorganization – increased funding and powers – have not materialized.
The situation has also sparked debate within the Labour party itself, with some MPs questioning the timing and complexity of the reorganization plans and whether they will ultimately deliver cost savings or create authorities that are too remote from voters.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted Norfolk County Council to withdraw from the devolution deal?
Kay Mason Billig, the Conservative leader of Norfolk County Council, withdrew the authority from the devolution process after the government reversed its decision to postpone local elections, stating the council could not simultaneously prepare for elections and participate in the reorganization plans.
What accusations has the council leader made against the government?
Kay Mason Billig accused Local Government Secretary Steve Reed of “bullying” her local authority into postponing elections in exchange for access to the government’s devolution priority programme.
What is the government’s response to these accusations?
A Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government spokesperson stated that Norfolk’s place on the devolution priority programme was never contingent on the timing of local authority elections and that they remain committed to working with local partners.
As other council leaders express concerns, it remains to be seen whether Norfolk’s decision will trigger a wider unraveling of the government’s plans for local government reorganization and devolution.
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