Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation

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Devolution is fast approaching, with consultations taking place throughout Norfolk and Suffolk this year.  By the end of 2025 a new Norfolk & Suffolk Mayoral Combined County Authority (MCCA) will have been agreed, with Mayoral elections taking place in May 2026.  Once this is in place a reorganization of local Councils will take place.  This will abolish the County and District Councils.  It may include the Police and Health.  There is currently no formal proposal for what will replace them but it is likely that there will be three options:

1. MCCA plus a single Norfolk authority
2. MCCA plus a wider Norwich City authority and a "doughnut" authority
3. MCCA plus  a wider Norwich City authority and two rural authorities - most likely east and west Norfolk.

Suffolk will also be reorganised.
Under option one: Hoveton (HCC), have already indicated in their initial response, that the joint association and collaboration combined within both of our Parish Councils it would more feasible for both Wroxham and Hoveton to be part of Option one.

Option two: Wroxham and Hoveton would become part of a larger Unitary group consisting of more rural areas. This would allow the continued working relationship with our neighbouring parishes.

Option three: On the assumption to the suggested Unitary split, it may be likely that Wroxham with its close proximity to Rackheath, becomes part of Norwich City authority, with Hoveton possibly joining into the new Unitary East Norfolk.  

Options 2 and 3 could see Wroxham sit either inside or outside of a City authority. The consultations are currently taking place on devolution which is the "top of the cake" (the Mayoral Authority).  There are then different ideas as to how the Norfolk section of the cake should be reorganised once devolution has taken place - this is local government reorganisation.  There will be continued future consultations on this.  

Agreed statement for Wroxham at this stage:
Wroxham Parish Council Position Statement on Devolution and Local Government Reorganization

Wroxham Parish Council supports the creation of a Mayoral Combined County Authority. We recognize the potential benefits of a more coordinated and strategic approach to regional governance and believe that such a structure can help address local needs more effectively.  Wroxham Parish Council recognizes the ongoing discussions around devolution and local government reorganization and the potential impacts these changes may have on our community. We believe any proposed restructuring must take into account the fundamental characteristics of the regions within Norfolk and Suffolk to ensure that governance remains effective, representative, and beneficial to residents.  Our area is predominantly rural and is shaped by industries such as tourism and agriculture, which are vital to our local economy and community well-being. We strongly advocate for a reorganization plan that acknowledges and supports these sectors, ensuring that any changes enhance rather than disrupt the economic and social fabric of Wroxham and its surrounding areas.  Furthermore, Wroxham and Hoveton are two closely linked parishes that function as a single community in many respects. Residents and visitors alike view the two as one cohesive entity, and it is crucial that any local government reorganization reflects this reality. To maintain continuity in governance, service provision, and community identity, we firmly believe that Wroxham and Hoveton should remain within the same local authority.  We also recognize the importance of preserving our local environment. Any future governance structures should support responsible environmental stewardship, ensuring that Wroxham’s natural landscapes and rural character are protected for future generations. Policies should aim to balance sustainability with economic and community interests in a practical and achievable manner.  Wroxham Parish Council is committed to engaging with residents, stakeholders, and government bodies to ensure that any future devolution or reorganization plans prioritize the unique needs of our community. We will continue to advocate for a structure that respects our rural nature, supports our local economy, and maintains the unity of Wroxham and Hoveton as a single, interconnected community.