Councillors on Norfolk's Strategic and Corporate Select Committee have asked for a briefing on the potential sale of Norse Care at their next meeting in September 2026, as the council looks closely at its commercial holdings during a period of significant financial pressure.

Norse Care is a council-owned company that provides care services to Norfolk residents. Officers confirmed that a briefing covering both Norse Care and wider companies governance would be arranged ahead of the September meeting.

The request was part of a wider discussion about Norfolk County Council's asset base. The committee's Vice Chair argued that, with local government reorganisation underway, there was a pressing need to consider the full extent of the council's estate — including sites such as Hethel, Scottow Enterprise Park, and the county's library network.

Officers confirmed the Vice Chair's concerns could be explored through the committee's work programming session, and that the Director of Property may need to be involved in future discussions.

The moves come as the council faces a £35.9 million budget gap for 2027/28 and a £148.5 million shortfall across its medium-term financial strategy. Reviewing commercial assets and income streams has been flagged as one avenue the committee wants to examine more closely.

Members also agreed to consider establishing a Companies Governance Working Group, with a report proposed for the September 2026 meeting to formally set up the group. The working group would scrutinise how the council oversees its various commercial companies.