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Norfolk County Council
Coat of arms
Council logo
Type
Type
Leadership
Stuart Dark,
Conservative
since 7 May 2024[1]
Kay Mason Billig,
Conservative
since 9 May 2023
Tom McCabe
since 7 May 2019[2][3]
Structure
Seats84 councillors
Political groups
Administration (54)
  Conservative (54)
Other parties (30)
  Liberal Democrat (11)
  Labour (10)
  Independent (5)
  Green (4)
Length of term
4 years
Elections
First-past-the-post
Last election
4 May 2021
Next election
1 May 2025
Meeting place
Norfolk County Hall
County Hall, Martineau Lane, Norwich, NR1 2DH
Website
www.norfolk.gov.uk

Norfolk County Council is the upper-tier local authority for Norfolk, England. Below it there are seven second-tier district councils: Breckland, Broadland, Great Yarmouth, North Norfolk, Norwich, King's Lynn and West Norfolk, and South Norfolk.

The council has been under Conservative majority control since 2017. It is based at County Hall, Norwich.

History

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Elected county councils were created in 1889 under the Local Government Act 1888, taking over many administrative functions that had previously been performed by unelected magistrates at the quarter sessions. The boroughs of Norwich and Great Yarmouth were both considered large enough to provide their own county-level services, so they became county boroughs, independent from the county council. The county council was elected by and provided services to the remainder of the county outside those two boroughs, which area was termed the administrative county.[4]

Shirehall, Market Avenue, Norwich: Council's meeting place 1889–1968

The first elections were held in January 1889, and the council formally came into being on 1 April 1889. The council held its first official meeting on 13 April 1889 at the Shirehall in Norwich, the courthouse which had been the meeting place of the quarter sessions which preceded the county council. The first chairman was Robert Gurdon, who was the Member of Parliament for the Mid Norfolk constituency and a member of the Liberal Unionist Party.[5] In 1902 it was said that the council consisted "almost entirely of landowners and large farmers."[6]

Local government was reformed in 1974 under the Local Government Act 1972, which made Norfolk a non-metropolitan county. As part of the 1974 reforms the county council gained responsibility for the two former county boroughs of Norwich and Great Yarmouth. The lower tier of local government was rearranged at the same time, with the county's numerous boroughs, urban districts and rural districts reorganised into seven non-metropolitan districts.[7]

Governance

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Norfolk County Council provides county-level services. District-level services are provided by the county's seven district councils. The districts are:[8][9]

Much of the county is also covered by civil parishes, which form a third tier of local government.[10]

Political control

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The council has been under Conservative majority control since 2017.

Political control of the council since the 1974 reforms has been as follows:[11][12]

Party in control Years
Conservative 1974–1993
No overall control 1993–2001
Conservative 2001–2013
No overall control 2013–2017
Conservative 2017–present

Leadership

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Sir William Ffolkes, chairman 1902–1912

Prior to the 1974 reforms the chairman of the council was also its political leader. The chairmen from 1889 to 1974 were:[13]

Councillor Party From To
Robert Gurdon[14] Liberal Unionist 1 Apr 1889 5 Apr 1902
William ffolkes[15] Liberal Unionist 5 Apr 1902 6 Apr 1912
John Sancroft Holmes[16][17] Conservative 6 Apr 1912 10 Apr 1920
Ailwyn Fellowes[18][19] Conservative 10 Apr 1920 23 Sep 1924
Russell Colman[20][21] Conservative 14 Mar 1925 4 Jan 1941
Henry Upcher[22] Conservative 5 Apr 1941 1 Apr 1950
Bartle Edwards[23] Conservative 1 Apr 1950 2 Apr 1966
Douglas Sanderson[24] Conservative 2 Apr 1966 11 Mar 1969
John Hayden[25][26] Conservative 12 Apr 1969 31 Mar 1974

Since 1974 the chair has been a more ceremonial role, with political leadership provided instead by the leader of the council. The leaders since 1974 have been:[27]

Councillor Party From To
Ian Coutts[28] Conservative 1 Apr 1974 1979
Michael Chaplin Conservative 1979 1981
John Alston Conservative 1981 1987
Peter Rollin[29] Conservative 1987 1989
John Alston[30] Conservative 1989 1993
Celia Cameron[31] Labour 1993 Jun 2001
Alison King Conservative Jun 2001 Mar 2006
Shaun Murphy Conservative Mar 2006 2007
Daniel Cox[32] Conservative 2007 Oct 2010
Derrick Murphy[33] Conservative 11 Oct 2010 9 Jan 2013
Bill Borrett[34][35] Conservative 25 Feb 2013 13 May 2013
George Nobbs Labour 24 May 2013 9 May 2016
Cliff Jordan[36][37] Conservative 9 May 2016 18 May 2018
Andrew Proctor Conservative 1 Jun 2018 9 May 2023
Kay Mason Billig Conservative 9 May 2023

Composition

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Following the 2021 election and subsequent by-elections and changes of allegiance up to December 2023, the composition of the council was:

Party Councillors
Conservative 54
Liberal Democrats 11
Labour 10
Independent 5
Green 4
Total 84

Of the five independent councillors, two sit together as the "Independent Group"; the others do not belong to any group.[38] The next election is due in 2025.

Elections

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See also: Norfolk County Council elections

Since the last boundary changes in 2005 Norfolk has been divided into 84 electoral divisions, each electing one councillor. Elections are held every four years.[39] New division boundaries have been drawn up to take effect from the 2025 elections.[40]

Premises

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The council is based at County Hall on Martineau Lane in Norwich. The building was purpose-built for the council and opened in 1968.

Shirehall Chambers

Prior to 1968 the council had been based at the Shirehall on Market Avenue in Norwich, which had been built in 1823 as a courthouse within the grounds of Norwich Castle.[41] The building was extended in 1909 with offices for the county council known as the Shirehall Chambers.[42]

Education

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See also: List of schools in Norfolk

The council is in charge of all Nursery, Primary and Secondary state schools throughout Norfolk which are not academies, but not Tertiary education. There are three nursery schools, 359 primary schools, 35 secondary schools, one all-through school, one free school, one short stay school and 11 special schools.[43]

The council provides a school finder for parents to find children a school.[44] The primary school curriculum is set by the government, and recorded on Directgov.[45] The secondary (high) school curriculum is set by the government, and recorded on Directgov. There are compulsory subjects which are needed to be followed in Norfolk and England.[46][47][48][49]

In Year 9 (sometimes Year 8), children are required to pick their GCSE options for the forecoming year.[46][48][49][50][51] In England, a student must take at least two optional choices.[48][51]

In February 2013, Ofsted inspectors judged that vulnerable children in the county were at risk.[52] Shortly afterwards, the regulator expressed concern about the county's educational provision.[53] Three years later, in August 2016, Ofsted found that Norfolk County Council had still failed to address the regulator's earlier judgements (in February and August 2013, respectively) that the council's arrangements for the protection of children and for services for looked after children were 'inadequate'.[54] In 2017 after further inspection the rating was raised to 'requires improvement' after considerable progress in the department.

Health and social care

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The council is responsible for coordinating and managing the adult social care of the population of Norfolk. This work was overseen by the Adult Social Care Committee based at County Hall. However, in May 2019 the committee was abolished and its responsibilities transferred to the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Public Health and Prevention.

Since 2012 the Health and Wellbeing Board for Norfolk and Waveney has been responsible for public health in the county. The board has been chaired by Cllr. Bill Borrett since 2017; it comprises representatives from most NHS bodies such as the five Clinical Commissioning Groups and the three Norfolk Acute Hospitals as well as Norfolk and Waveney's County and District Councils.

See Healthcare in Norfolk for the details of the different NHS bodies charged with delivering health in the county.

Transportation

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A bus stop sign managed by Norfolk County Council

Norfolk County Council is responsible for maintaining Norfolk's 10,000 kilometres (6,200 mi) road networks and bus routes.[55] They often go into schools and promote road safety to students.[56]

Conservation

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Norfolk County Council public footpath signpost

Norfolk County Council offered grant aid for landscape conservation, submitted to the Director of Planning and Transportation.[57] Many historic buildings in the county are protected by the Norfolk Historic Buildings Trust, established in 1977, which is under the guidance of the county council.[58] Similarly, the council has operated the Norfolk Museums Service since 1974.[59] Between 1995 and 2000, the Trust played a major role in restoring the Denver Mill site, at a cost of over £1 million.[57]

Notable members

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References

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  1. ^ Johnston, Kris (7 May 2024). "Stuart Dark appointed chair of Norfolk County Council - while leader Kay Mason Billig announces new cabinet". Lynn News. Retrieved 14 July 2024.
  2. ^ "Council minutes, 7 May 2019". Norfolk County Council. Retrieved 3 December 2023.
  3. ^ Grimmer, Dan (6 June 2023). "Norfolk County Council appoints Tom McCabe chief executive". Eastern Daily Press. Retrieved 3 December 2023.
  4. ^ "Local Government Act 1888", legislation.gov.uk, The National Archives, 1888 c. 41, retrieved 27 August 2023
  5. ^ "Norfolk County Council: The first meeting". Eastern Daily Press. Norwich. 15 April 1889. p. 2. Retrieved 3 December 2023.
  6. ^ Blue, Leonard Anderson (1902). The relation of the governor to the organization of executive power in the states ... University of Pennsylvania. p. 42.
  7. ^ "The English Non-metropolitan Districts (Definition) Order 1972", legislation.gov.uk, The National Archives, SI 1972/2039, retrieved 31 May 2023
  8. ^ "Local Government Act 1972", legislation.gov.uk, The National Archives, 1972 c. 70, retrieved 31 May 2023
  9. ^ "Understand how your council works". www.gov.uk. HM Government. Retrieved 15 October 2016.
  10. ^ "Election Maps". Ordnance Survey. Retrieved 18 November 2023.
  11. ^ "Compositions calculator". The Elections Centre. 4 March 2016. Retrieved 10 August 2022.
  12. ^ "Local Council List - Norfolk". Vote 2001 - Local election 2001. BBC News. Retrieved 8 May 2013.
  13. ^ "Past Chairmen of Norfolk County Council" (PDF). Norfolk County Council. Retrieved 3 December 2023.
  14. ^ "Norfolk County Council: Election of chairman". Downham Market Gazette. 23 February 1889. p. 6. Retrieved 3 December 2023.
  15. ^ "Norfolk County Council: Election of a chairman". Norwich Mercury. 9 April 1902. p. 2. Retrieved 3 December 2023.
  16. ^ "Norfolk County Council: Sir William Ffolkes resigns the chairmanship - Unanimous election of Mr Sancroft Holmes". Lynn News and County Press. 13 April 1912. p. 7. Retrieved 3 December 2023.
  17. ^ "Death of Mr Sancroft Holmes". Diss Express. 6 August 1920. p. 5. Retrieved 3 December 2023.
  18. ^ "Norfolk County Council". Diss Express. 16 April 1920. p. 8. Retrieved 3 December 2023.
  19. ^ "Death of Lord Ailwyn". Lynn Advertiser. 26 September 1924. p. 9. Retrieved 3 December 2023.
  20. ^ "Norfolk County Council". Diss Express. 20 March 1925. p. 8. Retrieved 3 December 2023.
  21. ^ "Mr Colman's resignation". Lynn Advertiser. 10 January 1941. p. 4. Retrieved 3 December 2023.
  22. ^ "County Council's New Chariman". Lynn News. 8 April 1941. p. 5. Retrieved 3 December 2023.
  23. ^ "County council new chairman". Lynn News and Advertiser. 4 April 1950. p. 1. Retrieved 3 December 2023.
  24. ^ "New chairman for Norfolk council". Lynn News and Advertiser. 5 April 1966. p. 2. Retrieved 3 December 2023.
  25. ^ "Miss Sybil Harker joins the aldermanic bench". Diss Express. 18 April 1969. p. 6. Retrieved 3 December 2023.
  26. ^ "John Hayden". Eastern Daily Press. 11 January 2006. Retrieved 3 December 2023.
  27. ^ "Council minutes". Norfolk County Council. Retrieved 24 June 2022.
  28. ^ Pollitt, Michael (25 November 2011). "Ian Coutts, CBE: Norfolk County Council leader and Norwich City director". Eastern Daily Press. Retrieved 3 December 2023.
  29. ^ "Diss solicitor is new County Council leader". Diss Express. 20 February 1987. p. 7. Retrieved 3 December 2023.
  30. ^ Downes, Steve (23 February 2015). "Tributes to John Alston, who played leading role in Norfolk life". Eastern Daily Press. Retrieved 3 December 2023.
  31. ^ "The board of trustees". Norwich Age UK. Retrieved 3 December 2023.
  32. ^ "Norfolk County Council [leader] leaves post for India role". BBC News. 1 October 2010. Retrieved 24 June 2022.
  33. ^ Grimmer, Dan (10 January 2013). "County council leader Derrick Murphy steps down - but vows to be back". Eastern Daily Press. Retrieved 24 June 2022.
  34. ^ "Bill Borrett elected as Norfolk County Council leader". Eastern Daily Press. 25 February 2013. Retrieved 24 June 2022.
  35. ^ Grimmer, Dan; Bristow, Tom (16 May 2013). "Norfolk Conservative group leader Bill Borrett reveals he offered to step down". Eastern Daily Press. Retrieved 24 June 2022.
  36. ^ Hannant, David (18 May 2018). "Norfolk County Council leader Cliff Jordan resigns following lung cancer diagnosis". Eastern Daily Press. Retrieved 24 June 2022.
  37. ^ "Cliff Jordan, former Norfolk County Council leader, dies aged 73". BBC News. 10 June 2018. Retrieved 24 June 2022.
  38. ^ "Councillors". Norfolk County Council. Retrieved 3 December 2023.
  39. ^ "The County of Norfolk (Electoral Changes) Order 2005", legislation.gov.uk, The National Archives, SI 2005/173, retrieved 3 December 2023
  40. ^ "The Norfolk (Electoral Changes) Order 2021", legislation.gov.uk, The National Archives, SI 2021/1219, retrieved 3 December 2023
  41. ^ Historic England. "Shire House, Norwich (1372844)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 13 September 2019.
  42. ^ Historic England. "Shirehall Chambers (1219034)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 22 October 2020.
  43. ^ "Childrens Services – Schools". Norfolk County Council. 7 March 2012.
  44. ^ "School Finder". Norfolk County Council. February 2012.
  45. ^ "The National Curriculum for five to 11-year olds". DirectGov (DIRECT.GOV.UK). 8 September 2011.
  46. ^ a b "Your Child's Education". DirectGov (DIRECT.GOV.UK). 7 September 2011.
  47. ^ "The National Curriculum for 11 to 16-year olds". DirectGov (DIRECT.GOV.UK). 8 September 2011.
  48. ^ a b c "Choosing subjects for Years 10 and 11: what's compulsory and what's optional". DirectGov. 1 April 2012.
  49. ^ a b "Qualifications and Curriculum Development Agency (QCDA)". QCA. 21 May 2012.
  50. ^ "Choices in Year 9(/8)". DirectGov (DIRECT.GOV.UK). 1 April 2012.
  51. ^ a b "Choosing subjects for Years [9] 10 and 11: what's compulsory and what's optional". DirectGov (DIRECT.GOV.UK). 1 April 2012.
  52. ^ "Vulnerable children in Norfolk 'put at risk', says report". BBC News Online. BBC. 22 February 2013. Retrieved 24 November 2016.
  53. ^ "Norfolk schools' Ofsted report raises 'considerable concern'". BBC News Online. BBC. 14 May 2013. Retrieved 24 November 2016.
  54. ^ Archer, Graham (5 August 2016). "Direction issued to Norfolk County Council". gov.uk/government/publications/. Retrieved 24 November 2016.
  55. ^ "Travel and Transport". Norfolk County Council. 7 January 2012.
  56. ^ "Road Safety". Norfolk County Council. 29 March 2012.
  57. ^ a b "STANDARD CONDITIONS APPLYING TO OFFERS OF NORFOLK COUNTY COUNCIL GRANT AID FOR LANDSCAPE CONSERVATION". Norfolk County Council. 2 April 2009.
  58. ^ "Introduction". Norfolk Historic Buildings Trust. Retrieved 21 May 2012.
  59. ^ "Norfolk Museums Service". Current Archaeology. 1 March 2000. Retrieved 13 September 2023.
  60. ^ "Greens win Norfolk County Council by-election from Tories". BBC News. 14 July 2023. Retrieved 15 July 2023.
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