Devolution & Local Government Reorganisation

Local government in Suffolk is changing. All county, district and borough councils are being replaced with 'unitary' councils, which will be responsible for delivering all services.

We are working together, with district and borough councils in Suffolk, on an ambitious proposal for two or three unitary councils, which will deliver services to different parts of the county.

We believe these will meet the differing needs of our diverse communities - councils that are big enough to deliver, local enough to care.

Have your say

We want to hear the views of residents, businesses, organisations and communities.

Please provide your feedback via our online survey.

Find out more about the government’s plans for devolution and Local Government Reorganisation, and what it means for Suffolk below.

What is devolution?

Devolution is the transfer of powers and funding from UK government to local authority level. It is important because decisions are made closer to the local people, communities and businesses they affect.

A devolution deal would create a new single body, known as a Strategic Authority, for Norfolk and Suffolk. It would initially take the form of a combined county authority.

These arrangements would be agreed prior to the first Mayoral election, which would take place in May 2026.

The key functions of the strategic authority would include strategic transport functions, such as support for buses, trains and concessionary fares, skills and driving economic growth.

What would devolution mean for us?

Here in Suffolk, all six of the county, district and borough councils would cease to exist, and be replaced by unitary authorities. These brand-new authorities will take over all local government functions in the area they cover.

This means that, in the area you live, you will only have one council to deal with, rather than two.

What is the Devolution Priority Programme?

The Devolution Priority Programme is a fast-track process with additional support for areas wishing to establish a Mayoral Combined County Authority at pace.

On 5 February 2025, the government confirmed that Suffolk and Norfolk will be on the Devolution Priority Programme, which will see a regional Mayor elected in May 2026.

The government also agreed to a request from Suffolk County Council for elections that were due to take place in May 2025 to be postponed.

What powers would the elected Mayor have?

The Mayor would be directly elected by the people of Norfolk and Suffolk. The elected Mayor would have the ability to speak directly to government ministers and secure funding for local projects. They would also be able to make important decisions, attract investment and improve infrastructure – taking a wider, strategic role spanning multiple councils.

When can we expect this to take place?

Now we have received confirmation that we are on the Priority Programme, the UK government is looking to create a Mayoral Combined County Authority for Norfolk and Suffolk by May 2026. Mayoral elections would take place in that month.

Where can I find out more?

Consultation

NOW CLOSED - The government ran a Norfolk and Suffolk devolution consultation between 17 February and 13 April 2025. The consultation aimed to gain views on a proposal to form a Mayoral Combined County Authority for the local government areas across Norfolk and Suffolk.

The consultation invited those who live and work across both counties to share their views on:

The proposed geography
The effect of establishing a Mayoral Combined County Authority in Norfolk and Suffolk
How the Mayoral Combined County Authority will make decisions

Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)

The government’s long-term vision is for simpler council structures, which make it clear who is responsible for services.

Currently, across Suffolk, services are split between Suffolk County Council, and one of five district or borough councils in a ‘two-tier’ arrangement. Depending on where you live, you currently receive services from Suffolk County Council and either Babergh District Council, East Suffolk Council, Ipswich Borough Council, Mid Suffolk District Council, or West Suffolk Council.

The government believes reorganising and simplifying councils can drive economic growth while delivering better public services.

Reorganisation would see all six councils in Suffolk replaced with ‘unitary’ authorities who would be responsible for all local authority services in their area.

When can we expect this to take place?

We submitted interim plans in March 2025 and will submit full plans in September. Timelines for the remainder of the LGR process are subject to the proposals received. However, elections for shadow authorities could be expected in May 2027 following consultation, with new unitaries going live in April 2028. (A shadow authority is elected to carry out the functions of a new unitary council until that authority formally comes into effect).

What’s your council’s position?

Ipswich Borough Council has joined with Suffolk's other district and borough councils to oppose Suffolk County Council’s proposal for one unitary council to deliver services for the whole of the county – which will be too large to work effectively and too remote for local residents to be heard.

A joint interim report describes how ‘a one size fits all’ approach will not work for a county with such varied communities and businesses - rural, coastal, industrial, agricultural and urban. Read the full report via the link below.

Only by creating multiple unitary authorities for Suffolk can we achieve greater outcomes for residents, grow the economy and provide flexible solutions to meet the needs of local communities.

Multi-unitary authorities will provide:

•   Cost effective and high-quality services for Suffolk residents
•   Long term financial sustainability
•   Economic growth and support to local industry
•   Stronger democratic representation, community engagement and neighbourhood empowerment
•   Governance and support systems which can adapt to future aspirations and sustainable growth
•   Ambitions to drive progress, innovation, and long-term success
•   Structures to support and enable thriving communities and economies.

Read our Case for A Great Ipswich Unitary

Read the Case for Suffolk LGR Interim Report

Read the Interim Plan Feedback

Have your say

In developing our plans, it’s important that we not only meet the guidance set by the government, but what we offer provides better outcomes for our communities.

Engaging with our stakeholders such as residents, local businesses, parish/town councillors and voluntary groups is a crucial part of the process and as part of our engagement work to capture views about the future delivery of local government in Suffolk, we have launched a ‘Have Your Say’ survey on behalf of the five district/borough councils.

You can complete the survey via this link. The deadline is 25 July 2025.

What happens next?

We will continue to work with other authorities to develop proposals that we believe provide the best solutions for our residents and communities. We will submit our final business case to the government in September.