Reform-led Norfolk County Council has unveiled its initial proposals as it looks to balance the books at County Hall, with £32 million of savings identified.
It includes a proposal to save £60,000 a year by shutting Docking Recycling Centre, previously put forward for closure in 2015, but which was spared the axe on that occasion.
The west Norfolk centre, on Fakenham Road, is one of the authority’s 18 recycling centres, but officials said it only handled 499 tonnes of waste in 2025/26 – less than one percent of the total tonnage across all the centres.
Pat Gould (Image: Norfolk County Council)
Pat Gould, Reform’s cabinet member for countryside, coast and culture, said: “We know that Docking Recycling Centre is valued by the local community and recognise that this proposal will be disappointing to some residents.
“However, as we look at how we can deliver services in a financially sustainable way, we have to consider whether it is right to continue operating our least-used recycling centre when alternative sites are available nearby, including Heacham Recycling Centre, Wells-next-the-Sea Recycling Centre and Hempton Recycling Centre.
“This is not a final decision, and I am committed to listening to residents, communities and stakeholders through consultation before any decision is made.”
Norfolk County Council’s County Hall headquarters (Image: Mike Page)
The council’s cabinet is likely to agree to put that proposal out for consultation after it meets on Monday, October 5.
The budget also reveals potential job cuts at County Hall, with £340,000 to be saved through a restructuring of the authority’s communications department and not appointing to deleted posts.
Other proposals include saving £475,000 by reducing highways maintenance activities by 5pc, spending £300,000 less on highways verge cutting and reducing grit runs and highways treatment to save £225,000.
A further proposal would see £100,000 less spent on libraries.
The council also says a proposal to reduce hazardous waste collection events to one per year would bring a further saving of £200,000.
Many of the proposed savings relate to saving money on social care by investing in prevention to stop people needing costly care.
The council believes it can also save £13m over three years by reducing the demand for, and cost of, formal adult social care services by making changes to commissioning external providers.
Justine Thomas (Image: Norfolk County Council)
Justine Thomas, cabinet member with budget responsibility, said: “People across Norfolk rely on council services every day.
“Demand for those services continues to grow, and we need to look carefully at how we use the money available to us.
“Our financial position remains challenging. These initial proposals would help us address the budget gap, but there is more work to do to bring forward a balanced budget.
“We are continuing to look for ways to make further efficiencies and reduce costs. We will also need to review our plans once we know more about the funding we will receive from government.”
Council tax could increase by 4.99pc (Image: Joe Giddens/PA Wire)
The budget is predicated on an assumed 4.99pc rise in the share of council tax which goes to County Hall, although cabinet will consider and consult on a range of options before any final decision is taken.
Final decisions about the budget, including the level of council tax for the year, will be taken by the full council in February next year.