Councillor Richard Rout, cabinet member for devolution, local government reform and NSIPs.
Last week, I had the privilege of joining colleagues, public sector partners, business leaders, MPs, civil servants and members of the community and voluntary sector in Westminster to discuss the future of local government in Suffolk.
It was one of many events that we have organised to keep people informed about the changes ahead - but this one felt different. Looking around the room during the lively panel discussion, and listening to the range of views, there was a shared sense of purpose.
A recognition of the scale of opportunity before us, and of the responsibility that we share to shape Suffolk’s future.
The event gave key figures across sectors including social care, transport and health, the chance to question and challenge the process of local government reorganisation and the impact it will have on our county.
And coming just days after government made the decision to divide Surrey into two unitary councils – the discussion has never felt more relevant, both for Suffolk and the country as a whole.
At the heart of the debate was the One Suffolk proposal - a bold, evidence-based plan to create a single unitary council for our county.
A plan that isn’t just about changing structures - it’s about transforming how we serve our residents, how we invest in our communities, and how we rebuild trust in local government.
Let’s be honest: reforming local government is never easy.
It challenges long-standing systems, asks tough questions and demands collaboration across political and institutional boundaries.
But the status quo is no longer sustainable.
The current two-tier system is duplicative, inefficient and increasingly out of step with modern Suffolk’s needs.
The One Suffolk business case shows that a single council is not only viable, but it is also the only financially resilient option. Over five years, it would save £78.2 million, and every year thereafter it would deliver annual savings of £39.4 million. In contrast, the alternative proposal, for splitting Suffolk into three unitary authorities, would cost £145.3 million more than the current system and risk vital services like social care.
We were clear in Westminster that this isn’t just about balance sheets - it’s about benefits for residents. One Suffolk would harmonise council tax to the lowest level across the county, meaning real savings for residents.
It would unlock a £40 million capital investment fund for our market towns, including Ipswich, and empower town and parish councils with new powers and funding where they choose to take on more responsibility.
It would also establish a new town council for Ipswich, strengthening local democracy and ensuring that our county town has the representation it deserves. And it would give Suffolk a stronger, unified voice able to work more effectively with the new mayor and advocate for investment in infrastructure, growth, and public services.
Some argue for splitting Suffolk up into three separate councils. I believe that would be a mistake. It would fragment our county, dilute our voice, and create unnecessary complexity. It would risk the very services our residents rely on, and cost millions to implement. In contrast, One Suffolk offers clarity, unity, and a shared vision.
Success won’t come from a single blueprint. It will come from partnership. From listening to our parish and town councils, to businesses, to the voluntary sector, and most importantly, to our residents.
I’ve spoken to many residents who feel disconnected from local decision-making. They want services that are responsive, councils that are accountable, and leadership that puts people first. One Suffolk is our chance to deliver that. It’s our chance to modernise, to streamline, and to build a council that truly reflects the needs and aspirations of our county.
Change is coming to local government, not only in Suffolk but on a national scale. If we get this right, we can create something truly transformative: one council, one voice, one Suffolk.
I urge everyone - residents, councillors and community leaders, to engage with the upcoming public consultation. Let your voice be heard. Help us shape a future that works for all of Suffolk.
Together, we can build a stronger, fairer, and more united county.
The time for change is now.
