The One Suffolk proposal for a single unitary authority was approved by Suffolk County Council this afternoon (Tuesday 16 September).
One Suffolk proposes scrapping Suffolk’s current six councils and replacing them with a single new council that is smarter, simpler and better - delivering both local and county-wide services.
This comes in response to the government’s drive for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) across the country.
Cabinet members voted in favour of the proposal, which paves the way for the final business case to be submitted to government by 26 September 2025. The proposal was also considered by all county councillors.
Councillor Richard Rout, Suffolk County Council’s cabinet member for devolution, local government reform and NSIPs, said:
“Today marks another essential milestone is the process of Local Government Reorganisation in Suffolk, and this welcome decision means we can progress with formal submission of our business case.
“LGR provides a unique opportunity for Suffolk to revamp local government for the first time in over 50 years through the implementation of a new, more streamlined, authority. One Suffolk will provide a smarter, simpler and better option for residents and is the only financially resilient model, ensuring that savings are reinvested into local services.
“The One Suffolk model will save £39.4 million each year, while the proposal for three councils will cost significantly more than the current model - £13.1 million a year to be exact. These are essential funds that should be reinvested into services, making improvements that will directly impact communities in Suffolk.
“We also know how important it is that residents see the benefit from day one, which is why we strongly support the idea of harmonising council tax to the lowest level possible – meaning all residents will see either a reduction, or freeze, in their bill.”
In his speech at the full council meeting, Suffolk County Council Leader Matthew Hicks said:
“This proposal has been built in partnership – it’s been built with residents, councillors, business leaders, voluntary organisations, and community groups coming together. This has been a collaboration that has allowed us to explore in depth the issues that really matter to our residents. From local identity and historic heritage to the everyday challenges that people face.
“What we are proposing is not just change to a structure – it’s a bold step forward that’s stronger, more efficient, and more united for Suffolk. This is about creating a council that truly reflects the needs of the people it serves. One Suffolk listens, One Suffolk leads, and One Suffolk will deliver.”
The One Suffolk business case demonstrates that a single unitary for Suffolk will save £78.2 million after the first five years, while three councils would cost an additional £145.3 million more than the current two-tier system. Furthermore, after the first five years, one council would save £39.4 million a year, while three would cost £13.1 million more than the current model.
The foundations of this business case are built on rigorous financial analysis of Suffolk-based data conducted by global advisory firm Grant Thornton, rather than generic national modelling.
This is one of two business cases from Suffolk’s councils outlining their proposed plans for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in the county. The alternative proposal from the districts and borough councils, to split Suffolk into three arbitrary council areas, could put key services such as social care at serious risk. It would also cost millions to set up.
Following today’s approval, the One Suffolk proposal will be submitted to government for consideration. Government will the decide upon which proposal or proposals to take forward to a public consultation, ahead of a formal decision on how to process with LGR expected in Spring 2026.
