Two new Unitary Authorities Announced

Two new unitary councils have been announced by local government minister Rosie Winterton.

She confirmed new unitary status for the cities of Exeter and Norwich, leaving the surrounding counties as two-tier authorities.

Norfolk and Devon will remain unchanged. Suffolk, the third county reviewed by the Boundary Committee, has been asked to decide locally as there was ‘no over all consensus’

Mrs Winterton explained 'Exeter and Norwich are at the centre of regional economic activity in their areas and their economic performance is crucial for their residents and the wider area but added wit regard to the Suffolk decision that "No single proposal emerged that ministers believed local councils would unite behind.'

Councillor Steve Morphew, leader of Norwich City Council, said: '...A unitary Norwich on its existing boundary would benefit both the city and county and could deliver more efficiently and effectively...'

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