Ipswich Borough Council has decided to conduct a Community Governance Review in light of the proposed reorganisation of local government.
A Community Governance Review is a legal process through which Ipswich Borough Council can consider:
- the creation of parishes, and the naming and style of these (e.g. whether to call a council a town or community council);
- the electoral arrangements for created councils, i.e. the ordinary year of election, council size, the number of councillors to be elected to the council, and its warding.
The review includes all aspects of community governance arrangements for Ipswich, including whether any new town or parish councils should be created, along with the number of town or parish councillors to be elected for any such council created. The full terms of reference can be found here.
The Council will be seeking the views of residents through two consultations. The first consultation will run from 13 October – 15 December 2025 and will seek general views on community governance in Ipswich. The second consultation seeking feedback on proposals developed by the Council, taking into account the results of the first consultation, will start on 29 January and run until 26 March 2026. The full timetable for the review can be found here.
Stage 1 Consultation
Ipswich Borough Council has begun a Community Governance Review to decide whether Town/Parish level arrangements should be put in place for Ipswich (for example, the creation of an Ipswich Town Council).
We want to hear what residents, businesses, community organisations and local groups think should happen - this is your chance to help shape how your community is represented in the future.
What are town and parish councils?
Town and Parish Councils represent the most local form of government.
A Town or Parish Council is made up of parish councillors elected by local government electors in its area, with elections taking place every four years. Vacancies within the four year term are either filled using co-option, or a by-election if local government electors request it.
What can parish and town councils do?
There are a number of different styles of local council, such as Town, Parish, Community, Neighbourhood and Village councils. Depending on their size, they can be responsible for:
- Services, such as allotments, car parks, celebrations and festivals, community buses, community and leisure centres, litter bins, parks and open spaces, public toilets and streetlights.
- Improving the quality of life, such as community hubs, neighbourhood plans, funding community projects and services, suitable housing, setting up dementia-friendly groups, solar panels, tackling loneliness and youth projects.
- Giving the community a voice, for example on planning matters with principal authorities and developers, local police and health services, and the government.
You can find out more on the National Association of Local Councils website.
In the event that a parish or town council is created for the whole of the current Borough of Ipswich then the town charter, Mayoralty and civic functions would pass to that new council.
What would a new town or parish council mean for Council Tax?
Town and Parish Councils have the ability to raise a precept (an amount collected alongside Council Tax) and the level of this would be for the Councillors elected to any new Council(s) to decide.
The bill for services which are transferred would move from the Ipswich Borough Council element to the new town or parish council.
The full financial implications of creating one or more new town / parish level councils would be set out when detailed proposals are made in the second consultation.
How to Respond
You can respond to the consultation here, or call 01473 432000 to ask for a paper form to be sent to you. We will also be holding an in person consultation event on which will be advertised in due course.
A second consultation will take place from 29 January 2026 – 26 March 2026 to consider recommendations developed from the initial feedback.
How we use your information
You can read our privacy notice for the Community Governance Review here.