Norfolk authorities face divergent developments in social care and local government restructuring

Norfolk County Council's children's services department has been selected by the Department for Education to serve as a Children's Social Care Improvement Team. This national role follows the department's transition from an ‘inadequate’ rating by Ofsted to an ‘outstanding’ rating over the last decade. As part of this government programme, Norfolk will provide peer support to another underperforming local authority for up to two years to help improve social care for children and young people.

Separately, North Norfolk District Council is seeking a full refund of funds following the cancellation of a local government restructuring plan. The council had contributed £500,000 to a shared pot managed by Norfolk County Council intended to facilitate the merger of existing authorities into three new unitary bodies. Following the government's decision to pause these plans, the council is demanding the return of these funds and reimbursement for £38,000 spent on temporary staffing.