Shaping Suffolk Together
Let’s shape the future of Suffolk together
The Government is replacing all six county, district and borough councils in Suffolk with unitary councils responsible for delivering all services. This is a significant change that will impact on every resident, community and business. It is a golden opportunity to reshape and improve how we do things in the county.
We want to transform public services so they work for and with YOU – and want you to help us shape them.
How do things work now?
Currently, services are split between Suffolk County Council and one of the five district or borough councils in a ‘two-tier’ arrangement. So, for example, the county council manages roads, social care for adults, and children’s services. District and borough councils are responsible for things like collecting your bins and recycling, planning decisions, managing council housing and preventing homelessness.
How will things work in the future?
The government’s vision is for simpler and more efficient council structures, which make it clearer to residents who is responsible for services in each area. This means that in future all services where you live will be managed by the same council – known as a ‘unitary’ council. There will also continue to be some local services provided by town and parish councils, such as some parks, allotments, cemeteries, community centres and markets.
How many new unitary councils will be created in Suffolk?
This will be decided by the Government. Councils have been invited to put forward proposals for each area before 26 September 2025, ahead of a final decision being made.
All five of Suffolk’s district and borough councils – Babergh, East Suffolk, Ipswich, Mid Suffolk and West Suffolk – are working together on an ambitious joint proposal with a shared goal of revitalising our public services.
What are Suffolk’s district and borough councils proposing?
We believe two or three unitary councils, each delivering services to different, recognisable parts of Suffolk, are vital to meet the differing needs and aspirations of our diverse communities.
They can ensure strong local leadership, democratic representation, empower communities, and be more responsive. They will also provide efficient and streamlined services.
These councils will be big enough to deliver but local enough to care – rather than the alternative option of a single ‘mega-council’ covering all of Suffolk, which we believe would be too large to work effectively and too remote for local residents to be heard.
How could things be done differently?
This is a fantastic opportunity to do things differently, building on our local connections, working with local people, businesses and organisations to rewire how services are delivered.
Crucially, this would help to better safeguard local community services, protect the vulnerable and concentrate on preventing problems before they arise, improving quality of life and offering value of money for taxpayers.
But what do YOU think?
We want to hear the views of residents, businesses, organisations and communities. These major changes will be shaped by your needs.
Call your local district or borough council if you need a paper copy of the survey.
Babergh District Council 0300 1234000
Mid Suffolk District Council 0300 1234000
We will carefully consider all your responses before putting forward a final proposal to the Government in September.