Useless Unitary Utterances

Whatever your thoughts were on the proposed unitary status for Norfolk, what can't be overlooked is the complete waste of taxpayer's money on the resulting rejected report from the Department for Communities and Local Government.  In October 2006 the then Secretary of State issued an invitation to two-tier principal local authorities, district and county councils, in England to submit proposals for a change to unitary or single-tier status. The invitation stated that any change to unitary local government should:

• be affordable;

• be supported by a broad cross-section of partners and stakeholders;

• provide strong, effective and accountable strategic leadership;

• deliver genuine opportunities for neighbourhood flexibility and empowerment; and

• deliver value-for-money and equity in public services

The Unitary Structures Team concluded, after two reports in 2008 and 2009, that Norfolk should become a single tier authority.

So why did the Secretary of State ignore this and decide to let things remain the same except for Norwich changing to a unitary authority? Norwich councillors wanted this but the general consensus from Norfolk MPs is surprise and astonishment. Some thoughts on what the changes may mean for you in the EDP.

Suffolk seems to have been unable to reach any unity under consultation and has been left alone to remain a wholly district and county council structure. At least the mad idea of moving Lowestoft into Norfolk was dropped!

Here's the final report you have paid for, whether a Norfolker or not.  Read, digest and ignore (and feel like a Secretary of State).

Welcome

In the beginning...

Inspired by my new friends @ Norfolk Coast here are my first musings from Mid Norfolk.

North Pickenham is probably most famous for its disused airfield with the eight turbines operated by Enertrag and the largest turkey farm courtesy of Norfolk legend Bernard Matthews. BM has applied to put up two turbines of his own on the site, completely independent from those already there, and not everyone is pleased about it. Planning applications to Breckland Council can now be viewed on line including any formal objections with this simple planning application search facility. Further plans for more modern windmills just down the road were reported in the EDP and that's on top of the two already in Swaffham.

No Denver Boots in clamp down, just on the spot fines

Free parking has always been a blessing to both shopper and purveyor in Norfolk market towns. Thankfully, plans to charge have roused great opposition. Anyone who has had the displeasure of driving and parking in Central London will know of the running battles with traffic wardens (I was once fined for double parking. The evidence provided were two photographs of my car facing in different directions, I was doing a three point turn!) Such madness has not spread this far north east but the EDP reports that the police will crack down on illegal parking in Swaffham, especially on market days.

Unitary or not unitary

After the failure by Suffolk Councils to stop them and to the disappointment of KNL (Keep Norfolk Local) group of district councils, the Boundary Commission has reported to the Secretary of State and has recommended a Norfolk Unitary Authority. 

To have your say write to:

Unitary Structures Team

Zone 3/J1

Eland House

Bressenden Place

London SW1E 5DU

or email NorfolkStructures@communities.gsi.gov.uk

Deadline is 19th January 2010.