District and Borough Councils’ clear message to communities: “Let’s shape the future of Suffolk together!” 

The Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) initiative will replace county, district and borough councils.

One or more new unitary councils would instead deliver services.

District and borough councils believe Suffolk should have more than one unitary council.

They have submitted a report, which sets out the benefits of their proposal.

The proposal explains that councils should be big enough to deliver services. Councils should also be sustainable. But they should also be local enough to care.

The government has offered encouragement to all Suffolk councils to continue developing proposals.

This is the most dramatic change to local government in 50 years.

People can now have their say on what is important to them. This includes residents, businesses, community groups and other organisations.

The leaders of the councils have issued a joint statement.

This comes from Councillor John Ward (leader of Babergh District Council), Councillor Caroline Topping (leader of East Suffolk Council), Councillor Neil MacDonald (leader of Ipswich Borough Council), Councillor Andy Mellen (leader of Mid Suffolk District Council), and Councillor Cliff Waterman (Leader of West Suffolk Council).

"We want to transform public services, so they work for all our citizens and communities, and we want you to help us shape them.

Suffolk County Council has only one plan – to create a single mega-council, which we believe would be out of touch with communities and residents.

It would cover a vast geographical area seeking to save as much money as possible, no matter how perilous the impact on local democracy, the quality of services provided or proper accountability where you live - whether it’s Hadleigh, Sudbury, Bury St Edmunds, Stowmarket, Felixstowe, Lowestoft or Ipswich.

We can’t let that happen and we want to hear what you think, to understand the challenges and opportunities, and to ensure that all of Suffolk is listened to and properly represented in the generational changes which are taking place.

We are absolutely certain that a multiple unitary model, with each new council delivering all services to different, recognisable parts of Suffolk, is vital to meet the differing needs of our diverse communities."

Take the survey: Have Your Say on the Future of Local Government in Suffolk

Please note the closing date for the survey is 25 July 2025.