Suffolk's Councils Clash Over Unitary Way Forward

Saturday, 22 March 2025 10:00

Suffolk is set to have a Mayor that also covers Norfolk

Suffolk’s District and Borough Council leaders have come together against a proposal for one unitary council.

Leaders say the proposal, which would see one council deliver services for the whole of Suffolk, would not work effectively and may have a negative impact on local residents.

Instead, they would like to see multiple unitary authorities created which could help grow the economy and be a better way to meet the needs of local communities.

Caroline Topping, Leader of East Suffolk Council, said:

"Working with our district and borough colleagues, I am heartened that we have all approached this task in exactly the same way, by placing Suffolk communities at the very heart of our discussions. The existing two-tier system had its 50th anniversary in 2024 and the world has changed a lot in that time. We have a once in a generation opportunity to revitalise local government and create models fit for the next 50 years.

“It is our shared view that a single unitary council, which merely seeks to preserve the established order, represents a total failure of imagination - failing to recognise the very varied challenges that different parts of the county face and the opportunities we can grasp. A model for Suffolk with multiple unitary councils will deliver leaner and more efficient, local structures than are currently in place - but will also ensure the highest possible standards of service for those who need us most.

“These are Interim Plans, a step along the road towards final submissions in September and new councils in 2028. In the coming months, I will listen to residents, businesses and partners about what they think is important in shaping future public service delivery and ensure this forms a key part of our final proposal.”