NORWICH CITY UNISON

After much delay, on 7 December the Boundary Committee gave its recommendations for a pattern of unitary local government for Norfolk.

The local government reorganisation process has experienced further delay, changing the expected timetable.  It was expected that the Boundary Committee for England (BCE) would make its recommendation to the Secretary of State on 15 July.

The local government reorganisation process has experienced further delay, changing the expected timetable.  It was expected that the Boundary Committee for England (BCE) would make its recommendation to the Secretary of State on 15 July.

The Boundary Committee for England yesterday published two new draft proposals for unitary local government in Norfolk for consultation - a single Norfolk council and a two-unitary solution with a 'Greater Norwich' council and one for the rest of Norfolk.  Final recommendations will be made to the Secretary of State on 15 July.

The date for the Boundary Committee's final recommendation has been delayed from 13 February to 15 July by the Secretary of State, meaning the process of laying orders for new unitary authorities in Norfolk, Suffolk and Devon through parliament is likely to be delayed until the end of 2009.

The Boundary Committee’s consultation on their draft proposals ended on 26 September. The Regional Office and the Norfolk branches have made submissions to the Committee – you can view all the submissions by clicking here.

The Boundary Committee published it's draft proposals today for a single unitary authority in Norfolk - but has left the option of a 'doughnut' and a 'wedge' on the table.  The annoucement has come as a surprise to many.

In Norfolk, the Committee proposes a single unitary authority which would cover the whole county and include Lowestoft.

Unitary Status for greater Norwich will have a big impact on our branch.

Many UNISON members will transfer from Norfolk County Council and neighbouring district councils and there will be other unions such as Unite, GMB, and NUT recognised at the authority.

The main considerations for our members will be the new staffing structure, and transferring the majority of staff to the new authority under TUPE regulations.

Following Norwich City Council's unsuccessful bid for unitary status in January 2007, the Secretary of State asked the Boundary Committee, part of the Electrocal Commission, to advise if there could be an alternative pattern for Unitary government in Norfolk.

Norwich City Council has since submitted a bid for unitary status on enlarged boundaries, including areas currently controlled by Broadland and South Norfolk District Councils such as Sprowston, Trowse and Costessey.