Norfolk County Council's Cabinet has formally adopted a new strategy for the county following the government's decision to withdraw Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) from Norfolk, meaning the council now expects to remain in its current form for up to four years.

The strategy, called 'Standing Up for Norfolk 2026-28', sets out five core commitments and will replace the previous 'Better Together for Norfolk 2021-25' plan. Cabinet endorsed it on 11 September and has recommended it to Full Council for adoption.

The administration also presented a 'First 100 Days' report documenting what it has found and done since taking office. Deputy Leader Cllr Robin Hunter-Clarke said the council would "challenge how it operates, stop waste and put residents first."

Key priorities highlighted by Cabinet Members include action on road conditions, illegal trading of tobacco and vapes, and unauthorised encampments. The Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health reported that Trading Standards had already seized nearly 150,000 illicit cigarettes and closed five businesses, with a new tobacco sniffer dog being trained to support further enforcement.

A Norfolk Innovation Conference is planned for September 2027 to attract investment and encourage young people to remain in the county, with Cabinet Members stressing the importance of supporting Norfolk's high streets and agricultural sector.

The administration also flagged a question about where £300,000 in planned savings from service changes would come from, after staff were told a significant restructure was not needed. The Leader agreed to write to the councillor who raised the concern with further details.

A Council Delivery Plan setting out specific actions and accountability measures is expected to be brought before Cabinet in November 2026.