Cabinet considers key priorities for Norfolk

Ambitious plans to deliver for the people of Norfolk will be considered by the county council's cabinet next month.

On 5 June, the cabinet will consider the council's top priorities for the next year, known as the corporate delivery plan.

Council leader Councillor Kay Mason Billig said: "This report highlights how the county council plays a leading role for Norfolk - providing key services, campaigning for more opportunities and speaking up for the county.

"Despite the ongoing challenges of inflation and the need for fairer funding for local government, I am confident that we can deliver for the people of Norfolk"

The report highlights how the council provides, for a population of 914,039 in an area of 2,079 square miles:

• £1.3 million per day on adult social care for 19,000 people
• Support for 1,150 children in care
• 13 special schools
• 6,200 miles of road, 2,800 miles of footway and cycleway and 2,400 miles of trails and footpaths
• 47 libraries and 10 museums
• 42 fire stations
• 20 recycling and waste centres and 15 re-use shops

The council's priorities for the next year are:

• A vibrant, sustainable economy, including £1.5 million of pilot projects through the Norfolk Investment Framework, overseeing completion of the Great Yarmouth operations and maintenance campus and delivering fibre broadband to 8,821 premises by next year
• Better opportunities for children and young people, including plans for two more special schools, creation of a new learning strategy and working with the NHS on multi-agency, community based support for children, young people and families
• Healthy, fulfilling and independent lives, including 12 more independent living units for people with complex needs, using digital technology to identify people who could benefit from earlier help and completion of the Great Yarmouth multi-user hub by spring next year
• Stronger, engaged and inclusive communities, including work with the voluntary sector on a new volunteering strategy, delivering, with partners, the hardship support programme and running public health campaigns through libraries
• A greener, more resilient future, including starting to implement the council's climate change strategy, supporting electric buses and electric vehicle charging points and consideration of new recycling centres in the Sheringham, Wymondham, Long Stratton and North Walsham areas

The same meeting will consider a report on the results of public consultation on the proposed county deal with the Government, which, if agreed, could see more powers and funding transferred to Norfolk.

Cllr Kay Mason Billig said: "I continue to negotiate with the Government on the best possible deal for Norfolk.

"At this stage, the only decision for the cabinet to take is whether to send the consultation results to the Government - it is not a final decision on whether to proceed with the deal. That decision will be taken by the full council, in December."

Cabinet will consider the corporate delivery plan and the county deal consultation, when it meets at 10am on Monday, 5 June. Read the reports and watch the meeting, live or afterwards.