Dear all,
Today the government launched its consultation on local government reorganisation (LGR) in Suffolk. This will run for seven weeks until 11th January.
LGR presents the biggest change to local government in Suffolk for over 50 years – and the consultation gives stakeholders and residents the chance to have their say.
Suffolk community leaders from sectors including health, social care, business, agriculture and tourism, have all backed the One Suffolk plan for a single unitary council to deliver all county-wide and local services. Watch this video to hear directly from some of our advocates: Voices of One Suffolk
One Suffolk would create key benefits, including:
Empowering communities by offering powers and funding to town and parish councils where these councils express a desire for additional responsibilities. Creating a new town council for Ipswich to enhance democratic representation.
- A new deal for market towns, including Ipswich, backed by a £40 million capital investment fund, and a review of car parking charges and markets conducted in consultation with traders, businesses and representative bodies.
- Building a strong, flourishing, and resilient local economy that serves all residents, businesses, and communities.
- A stronger voice for Suffolk through effective collaboration with the new mayor, focusing on clear investment priorities that maximise benefits.
The alternative proposal, from Suffolk’s district and borough councils, would see Suffolk split into three arbitrary council areas, putting key services such as social care at serious risk and costing millions to set up.
Their plan does not address the enormous costs associated with splitting up these critical services, and poses clear risks to the most vulnerable people in Suffolk. Not only would three councils cost significantly more than a single unitary for Suffolk - it would also cost more than the current two-tier system.
What happens next?
We are confident that One Suffolk is the right approach for Suffolk and will deliver greater support and influence for town and parish councils – and we have been contacted by a number of you who share this view.
It is vital that government hears directly from you – so please do engage with the consultation and have your say in this momentous decision for Suffolk. You can take part here: Consultation on Proposals for Local Government Reorganisation in Norfolk and Suffolk - Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government - Citizen Space
Thank you once again for your engagement and for the constructive way you have helped to shape this important work. If you would like to be involved in our One Suffolk proposal, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Yours sincerely,
Cllr Matthew Hicks, Leader of Suffolk County Council
Nicola Beach, Chief Executive of Suffolk County Council
The proposals and consultation document is here: Consultation on Proposals for Local Government Reorganisation in Norfolk and Suffolk - Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government - Citizen Space
Please have your say