Statement from Cllr Sam Chapman-Allen, Leader of Breckland Council

In response to the Government's confirmation of its approach to Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation on 5 February 2025

Cllr Sam Chapman-Allen, Leader of Breckland Council, commented:

"While I remain very supportive of the principles of devolution, the genuine transfers of power from Whitehall to local people, the creation of a Combined Mayoral Authority and support for the role of Local Government, I am left flabbergasted at the Government's latest statements.

"In January, I expressed my grave concerns that councils were sleepwalking into enabling irreversible damage to local services, stealth cuts, tax rises, and a fundamentally poor deal for local people. Unfortunately, today's statements seem to confirm my worst fears. I am now very worried for residents of Breckland who can now expect to move from one of the lowest Council Tax areas in the country, to stomaching massive increases.

"We have today heard that the Government plans to abolish councils in Norfolk and Suffolk (and across the country) within the next two years and are expecting proposals from areas to support this before the end of March. Giving places, and people, literally days to come up with new plans - with no material guidance or expectations shared in advance.

"It feels beyond reckless to be rushing this. I am not afraid of change and have no intention of defending the status quo for the sake of it. However, we work in systems that have evolved over 50 years and it is irresponsible to hash the next evolution of Local Government overnight.  Any reorganisation needs to keep local government genuinely local, reflecting the geography and economy of a place, whilst preserving and strengthening democratic accountability and representation.

"Given the Government's position, it is now incumbent on leaders and places across Norfolk and Suffolk to make the best of the situation and work to avoid Local Government Reorganisation becoming a poor deal for communities. I will be continuing to make it my key priority to be working with all parties - and partners - to make the best of this for our residents and businesses."

Cllr Sam Chapman-Allen
Leader, Breckland Council