Leaders at Norfolk County Council are pulling the plug on a controversial £6.3m contract for a consultancy firm to oversee the abolition of all Norfolk's councils.
Robin Hunter-Clarke, deputy leader at Reform-led County Hall, has taken the decision to give notice to London-based Inner Circle over the contract, which was signed before his party took control of the council.
With all of Norfolk's councils due to be scrapped under Labour government plans to replace them with three unitary authorities, the consultants had been appointed to assist with the process.
They were appointed by Norfolk County Council's then chief executive Tom McCabe, using powers delegated by County Hall's previous Conservative administration on March 24.
That was the day before the government announced it was backing the option of having three councils for Norfolk: One for Greater Norwich, one for the east, centred on Great Yarmouth, and another in the west, centred on King's Lynn.
Reform UK are trying to halt local government reorganisation through a judicial review, which, if a judge decides there is a potential case, would see the county council challenge the lawfulness of the ministerial decision in court.
Norfolk County Council, under the Conservatives, had wanted one council, South Norfolk wanted two, while the others - Norwich, West Norfolk, Great Yarmouth, North Norfolk, Broadland and Breckland - wanted three.
Mr Hunter-Clarke said: “This contract should never have been signed by the previous administration.
"There was no scrutiny of it at the time and after discussion with officers it is clear to me that it is a waste of public money to continue with this type of contract.
"At a time when residents expect every pound of public money to be spent wisely, we must ensure we do just that.
"I am not prepared to tolerate a system where consultants are paid vast sums, taxpayers pick up the bill for lunches and hospitality, and yet the pace of delivery falls well short of what Norfolk deserves.
"Yes, we are challenging local government reorganisation legally, but we must be prepared for all eventualities.
"I have instructed officers that we must get a firm grip on this project immediately.
"Norfolk’s residents expect competent leadership, sound financial management and real progress - not costly meetings.
"Local government reorganisation is too important to be driven by external consultants who represent poor value for money.
"We have talented officers within Norfolk County Council, and I have every confidence that, with the right leadership and clear direction, we can deliver this programme.
"This decision is about restoring accountability, protecting taxpayers’ money and ensuring every pound spent delivers value for the people of Norfolk.
"The days of signing multi-million-pound consultancy contracts with little to show for it are over.
"We were elected to change the culture at County Hall, and that is exactly what we are doing."
It is understood there would be no upfront penalty the county council would have to pay for breaking the contract, but that costs incurred to date would need to be paid.
Existing council staff from all eight authorities are working towards what would happen if the shake-up does happen, although Reform councillors have declined to take part in voluntary joint committees - made up of councillors from the various councils - to discuss oversight of the transition process.
The government has provided £2.7m towards the transition, from central funds, while the councils have also identified further money in their budgets for the process.
Elections to the shadow forms of the replacement councils are due to take place next May, with the new councils officially vested in April the following year.
Newly-elected councillors to the shadow authorities would serve alongside existing councillors for a one-year transition period, before the current councils are scrapped in 2028.
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