Suffolk Votes for Devolution Plan

Suffolk County Councillors have voted to be part of fast track plans from the government,  that will see all district and borough councils replaced with a unitary authority.

Suffolk should be fast tracked for devolution and local government reorganisation, councillors have decided.

Following an invitation from ministers, Suffolk County Council’s Cabinet today agreed to recommend Suffolk for inclusion in the government’s Devolution Priority Programme (DPP). The shake up would also see the creation of a directly elected Mayor - with this likely covering both Suffolk and Norfolk - and the replacement of existing council structures being replaced with a streamlined unitary council.

The decision followed a debate and vote at a meeting of all county councillors.

The government’s English Devolution White Paper outlines plans for broader and deeper devolution, coupled with a programme of coordinated local government reorganisation.

Key to these proposals is the restructuring of councils in two-tier areas like Suffolk, shifting from district, borough, and county councils to unitary councils. The government argues that unitary councils can deliver better outcomes for residents and save money that can be reinvested in public services.

Alongside reorganisation, the government is also proposing to create new Mayoral Authorities – with a single directly elected Mayor covering larger geographies (such as Suffolk and Norfolk) and with powers over strategic policy areas like transport infrastructure, health improvement and blue light services.

Meanwhile, speaking after the debate, Councillor Matthew Hicks, leader of Suffolk County Council, said: “Today marks the start of arguably one of the biggest decisions this council will take in its 50 plus-year history.

“We need to think what is best for the people and businesses of Suffolk to whom we have a duty to make the difficult decisions – even if that decision means the end of the council or councils on which we sit.”

“Changes of this scale create an opportunity to streamline local government, empower joined-up decision making, save taxpayers money and ensure councils are resistant to economic challenges.

“These are not ‘nice to haves’ or ‘aspirations, they are fundamental pillars of the system delivering the best possible public services, with clarity, accountability and delivered in a financially sustainable way.

“These are the goals on which we must focus if we are to do the right thing for Suffolk.”

Suffolk County Council has now written to the government expressing its desire to be at the front of the queue for devolution and local government reorganisation. A decision is expected by the end of the month. 

If Suffolk is approved as part of the DPP, more detailed proposals, engagement and Government-led consultation would follow.

To achieve remarkable things and seize significant opportunities, you must be willing to take on potential uncertainties. I want Suffolk to be at the front of the queue, setting the agenda on devolution – not following everyone else when identikit solutions are imposed.

“The proposal to join the DPP is not just a step forward; it is a leap towards a brighter, more prosperous future for Suffolk.”

Papers for the meetings can be viewed at https://committeeminutes.suffolk.gov.uk.

They are also available to watch back on the council’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/SuffolkCC