Terry Jermy and James Wild react to devolution plans which would see West Norfolk Council abolished

Terry Jermy has claimed that “most people don’t mind who delivers their public services” amid plans which look set to see West Norfolk Council abolished.

This week, a new devolution White Paper released by the Labour Government outlined proposals to reorganise local authorities into unitary councils.

This would likely see the likes of West Norfolk Council, Breckland Council and North Norfolk District Council scrapped and merged with Norfolk County Council to form a single authority.

The Government is set to invite proposals for reorganisation from areas which will be affected, and will take a phased approach to delivery

Now, Mr Jermy, South West Norfolk’s Labour MP, has said: “Most people don’t mind who delivers their public services, as long as they are well run and affordable.

“Norfolk has missed out on significant investment over the last 14 years, especially infrastructure investment.

“The devolution package proposed by Labour aims to change that and unleash Norfolk’s full economic potential and provide us with a strong voice to lobby for improvements.”

Norfolk previously had a devolution deal in place with the previous Conservative Government, but this was scrapped when Labour won the summer’s general election.

The new plans represent Keir Starmer’s party’s attempts to come up with an alternative.

James Wild, the North West Norfolk MP, said: “It is regrettable the Labour Government scrapped the £600million Norfolk devolution deal agreed after 18 months negotiation with the previous government.

“Now my priority is to ensure the interests of our community continue to be properly represented within any new arrangements.

“I will be engaging the borough and county councils, businesses, and others on the options under the Government’s White Paper.”