Support for town council plan despite costs

A plan to create a town council has been supported by the majority of respondents to a consultation on the proposal.

King's Lynn, in Norfolk, does not have its own governing authority despite a population of more than 47,000 people.

It is currently run by the wider Borough Council of West Norfolk, but the council is due to be abolished and replaced by a larger unitary authority under local government reorganisation for Norfolk.

Some respondents expressed concerns about how much running the authority would add to council tax bills.

West Norfolk councillors are looking into whether King's Lynn should have its own council - similar to other places in the area such as Hunstanton and Downham Market.

The majority of the 915 responses were in favour of creating a new authority with 85% supporting the plan.

The survey recorded 10% of respondents against, with the remaining participants stating they did not know if they supported the scheme or stating they wanted an alternative.

The most frequent reason given in the consultation in support of a town council was that it would improve local representation.

But those opposed to the plan were worried about the cost - and an increase in bureaucracy.

West Norfolk Council says the average cost to council taxpayers for parish and town councils is £66.77, but as a large town the cost in King's Lynn would be much higher.

In Thetford, which has a population of 26,000, the town council charges council taxpayers with band D properties £194.66.

Respondents were also asked whether or not King's Lynn should continue to have a traditional mayor.

The majority, 86%, said yes, citing the historical and cultural value of the position.

The consultation ran from 9 February to 27 March 2026 and hard copies were distributed to 19,673 non-parished addresses.

Non-parished means a geographic area which is not covered by a local civil parish or town council.

The next step will be for the consultation results to be considered at a council meeting on 18 June.

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