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Three councils for Suffolk business case submitted to the government

26/09/25

Plans to transform local services were agreed this week by Suffolk’s district and borough councils, as well as cabinet members, and have been submitted to the Government.

The proposals set out a new model of three unitary councils - replacing the current six - which will save at least £34m a year, with £20m reinvested annually into vital local services. The new councils will be “big enough to deliver, local enough to care”, keeping decision-making rooted in communities while cutting duplication and waste.

Backed by independent analysis from the Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE), the proposals also show how £67.5m more could be unlocked every year by localising adult and children’s services, with a sharper focus on prevention and early help.

Every district and borough council in Suffolk has debated and approved the proposal, finalising the Case for Change. The proposals carry cross-party and geographic support, ensuring momentum for change.

The plans meet the Government’s criteria for unitary authorities - a clear rationale, sensible geographies, and areas you as residents can identify with and is based on robust, local evidence. For you, the change means simplicity: one unitary council where you live

The three proposed councils will serve Central & Eastern Suffolk, Western Suffolk and Ipswich & Southern Suffolk. And the proposed model will deliver:

Value for money: Cutting six councils to three, self-funding in five years, unlocking £34m annual savings plus £20m reinvestment. Independent analysis shows a further £67.5m benefit from localised, prevention-led social care.
Local first: Councils rooted in your communities, supporting voluntary groups and ensuring fairer funding.
Fairer council tax: Equalisation within one year, with no household paying more by 2028/29 than they would under the current system.
Better services: Local delivery, tailored to Suffolk’s diverse needs, geography and history.
Stronger democracy: Councillors that are close to you and the communities they serve, with deep local knowledge and the capacity to represent you effectively. Smaller wards mean councillors are more accessible, responsive, and attuned to you and your local priorities.
Innovation and improvement: More agile councils, better able to adapt and transform.
A louder Suffolk voice: Stronger representation alongside the new Norfolk & Suffolk mayor.

The Three Councils For Suffolk Case for Change is rooted in public engagement, including over 2,200 survey responses to an online survey in which one-third of people ranked “being local” as their top priority for future councils.

Suffolk’s district and borough council leaders said:

“The people of Suffolk want their councils to be local, responsive and provide value for money. Our Case for Change delivers exactly that. The fact councils from very different parts of Suffolk have come together behind these plans shows their strength. By bringing services under one roof, we can focus on what really matters, from protecting vulnerable children and adults to tackling housing and infrastructure needs. Three councils for Suffolk is the right balance between strong leadership and genuine local delivery.”

Central Government is expected to launch a public consultation in November 2025, running until February 2026, before making a final decision.

Picture: Babergh leader Cllr John Ward, West Suffolk leader Cllr Cliff Waterman, East Suffolk leader Cllr Caroline Topping, Ipswich leader Cllr Neil MacDonald, Mid Suffolk leader Cllr Andy Mellen