Ipswich is making a strong bid for a new unitary council to serve the town. It is a bid supported by all three main parties on the Borough Council and aims to persuade Ministers that Ipswich, as one of the fastest growing urban centres in the country, deserves a reformed local government structure.
One council is better than two, along with the prospect of less confusion and waste, is at the core of the first campaign document sent to local businesses, schools, councils, MPs and community leaders ahead of the Government White Paper on local government reform, expected next month.
Ipswich Borough Council has set out its claims by referring to its role as an economic and cultural regional centre, its phenomenal growth, the university campus on the Waterfront, the Team Ipswich sporting promotion and other initiatives. Ipswich is a key member of the Regional Cities East and Haven Gateway partnerships and is stressing that the time has come for the town to take care of its own affairs. This will bring better services for Ipswich people.
Leader of the Council Liz Harsant, her Liberal Democrat administration partner Richard Atkins and Labour group leader David Ellesmere have all signed the document “The Case For A Unitary Ipswich”.