Keep Norfolk Local responds to latest reorganisation developments

The Keep Norfolk Local group is disappointed that the Secretary of State has decided to continue the flawed review of local government in Norfolk. Instead of calling off the review the Secretary of State has decided to extend the process by another 5 months to give the Boundary Committee time to try to put right the flaws that were evident from October 2007.

The Boundary Committee were due to feedback to the Secretary of State on 13 February 2009 but have been given a new deadline of 15 July 2009.

This extension is yet another confirmation that the Boundary Committee's plans and the process used to try to reorganise local government in Norfolk is flawed. This is the second timescale extension given to the Boundary Committee to try to help them push through plans which are not needed or wanted in the county.

As the Secretary of State has determined that the process must proceed then this further extension is a step in the right direction as the Boundary Committee will have a chance to consult properly on their proposals with the financial figures spelt out. It is more important now than ever for people to tell the Boundary Committee exactly what they think of these proposals.

Last Friday evening, 160 people attended a public meeting in Kings Lynn to express their concern and anger at proposals to change councils in Norfolk. It is also clear from a recent YouGov Poll on reorganisation and from the comments listed on the Boundary Committee's own website that new councils for Norfolk are not needed and not wanted.

We now urge the Boundary Committee to use these extra five months wisely and not only carry out a full and proper consultation with the people of Norfolk, but also to listen to those views that they collect.

For more information on how to Keep Norfolk Local, visit www.keepnorfolklocal.com

ENDS