The Council has reaffirmed its support for the creation of a single unitary council to serve all the people of Suffolk. The recession and the forecasted impact on the public sector has further highlighted why there is a need for a fundamental change to the current three tier system in Suffolk.

Mid Suffolk’s consistent support for a new sustainable model of local government in Suffolk is described more fully in the Local Government Review section.

We have submitted a joint response with Suffolk County Council to the Boundary Committee together with a letter setting out more local considerations that we are asking the Boundary Committee to take into account.

We believe that our position on the future of local government is a principled one. We argue from a position of strength that Suffolk needs to be united in responding to the challenges which exist in the County. Splitting the County into two will cause division, cost more and make implementation unnecessarily difficult. We are proud of what Mid Suffolk District Council has achieved but we are realistic about the future and the need to create a single purpose Council to replace the County Council and 7 District/Borough Councils.

Other Councils have their reasons for supporting other models; we respect their wishes but we do not believe a parochial approach is in the interests of Suffolk people. A new start is needed, one which will give localities real influence and Council Tax payers a better deal.

Cllr Tim Passmore                                              Andrew Good

Leader of the Council                                          Chief Executive

14 May 2009