Government confirms ambitious new future for local government in Suffolk

The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government has confirmed that three unitary councils will be created in Suffolk replacing the current system made up of Suffolk County Council and the five district and borough councils: Babergh, East Suffolk, Ipswich, Mid Suffolk and West Suffolk.

Under the new arrangements, the new councils will come into operation in April 2028, with elections scheduled for next year to establish the shadow authorities responsible for shaping and overseeing the transition.

Joint statement from District and Borough Council Leaders: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to reshape local government so it can better serve our residents and businesses, both now and for future generations. 

“We had confidence in our Three Councils for Suffolk proposal, and we are pleased that the Government has listened to both us and the public in concluding that three unitary councils will best reflect and support the diverse needs across Suffolk.

“We are committed to ensuring a smooth transition and to creating councils that are large enough to deliver, and local enough to truly care.”

Work to examine the future structure of local government in Suffolk began with the publication of the English Devolution White Paper in December 2024. 

The six existing councils have already started the preparatory work, but will now begin detailed planning on the transition, with further information to be shared once plans are confirmed.

For further information about the three unitaries proposal, visit the Three Councils for Suffolk website.

Pictured: District and borough council leaders, L to R, Cllr John Ward (Babergh), Cllr Cliff Waterman (West Suffolk), Cllr Caroline Topping (East Suffolk), Cllr Neil MacDonald (Ipswich), Cllr Andy Mellen (Mid Suffolk)