Shake-up of local councils review

Norwich City Council is calling for a unitary authority

New proposals for a major shake-up of local government in Suffolk and Norfolk have been called for by the government.

Ministers have asked for a Boundary Committee review after rejecting the original bids for increased powers by Ipswich and Norwich councils.

The Boundary Committee will consider whether an enlarged Ipswich and Norwich could succeed as unified authorities - taking powers from the county councils.

Great Yarmouth and Waveney councils are being considered for a possible merger.

In a report, the government says the original proposals, put forward by Ipswich Borough and Norwich City councils, do not make a good financial case for gaining unitary status.

'Case for unitary'

The government has not commented on new plans drawn up by Norwich City Council for an enlarged council.

But local government minister John Healey said there was "a case for unitary authorities" for Norwich and Ipswich and the surrounding areas.

"The Boundary Committee have been asked to advise on the possible options for effective unitary local government that will improve services and save money for local communities," he said.

The committee has been asked to advise the government by 31 December whether there are alternative unitary proposals that will deliver quality public services and value for money.

The Boundary Committee has also been asked to advise whether there are workable unitary proposals that cross the existing Suffolk/Norfolk border containing Great Yarmouth and Waveney councils that would deliver benefits for local residents.