One Suffolk proposal for Local Government Reorganisation gains support in Westminster

The One Suffolk plan for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in Suffolk gained support from politicians, Suffolk business leaders and other key stakeholders in an event held in Westminster on Thursday 30 October.

The event, hosted by James Cartlidge MP, brought together over 50 key stakeholders from across Suffolk and Westminster, providing them the opportunity to hear more about the One Suffolk business case through a panel discussion and Q&A, chaired by Kirsty Weakley, News Editor at the Local Government Chronicle.

The full panel included:

• James Cartlidge MP - South Suffolk (host)
• Richard Brame - Senior Director, Willis Tower Watson
• Baroness Coffey
• Simon Edwards - Chief Executive, County Councils Network
• Cllr Matthew Hicks - Leader, Suffolk County Council

• Will Quince - Chair, Transport East

Speaking at the event, Councillor Matthew Hicks, Leader of Suffolk County Council, said: “Thank you all for making the journey here today… and my thanks as well to James for sponsoring this event, and to our excellent panel for taking part in what I know will be an important and lively discussion.

“These are seismic changes. And with this scale of change comes great opportunity – not only for Suffolk, but for local government across England.

“It’s an opportunity for a fresh start – to design services around the people who use them, not around the structures that deliver them.

“An opportunity to cut duplication, make better use of our collective resources, and speak with one clear voice for Suffolk – on growth, infrastructure, and investment.

“But above all, it’s an opportunity to renew people’s trust in local government. To show that we can modernise, work together, and deliver better outcomes for the communities we serve.”

The One Suffolk business case outlines Suffolk County Council’s position on LGR in Suffolk through the creation of a single unitary authority for the county, delivering both local and county-wide services.

The One Suffolk business case demonstrates that a single unitary for Suffolk is the only financially viable option. After the first five years it will see savings of £78.2 million, while three councils would cost a £145.3 million more than the current two-tier system. Additionally, one council would save £39.4 million a year from year six, whereas three would cost £13.1 million more than the current model. The business case is built on rigorous financial analysis of Suffolk-based data conducted by global advisory firm Grant Thornton, rather than using generic national modelling.

In addition to financial resilience, One Suffolk outlines key benefits to the county, including:

• Harmonising Council Tax to the lowest level across Suffolk. Based on current levels this would result in Band D properties seeing a reduction of £245 in Ipswich, £17 in East Suffolk, £29 in West Suffolk, £19 in Babergh and a freeze in Mid Suffolk.
• A new deal for market towns, including Ipswich, backed by a £40m capital investment fund, and a review of car parking charges and markets conducted in consultation with traders, businesses and representative bodies.
• Empowering communities by offering powers and funding to town and parish councils where these councils express a desire for additional responsibilities. Creating a new town council for Ipswich to enhance democratic representation.
• Building a strong, flourishing, and resilient local economy that serves all residents, businesses, and communities.
• A stronger voice for Suffolk through effective collaboration with the new mayor, focusing on clear investment priorities that maximise benefits.

Further details on what One Suffolk will deliver can be found in the full business case: 

Councillor Richard Rout, Suffolk County Council’s cabinet member for devolution, local government reform and NSIPs, said:

“Today’s conversations have reminded us that 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.

“Because local government reform, at its heart, is about rebuilding trust: proving that we can change how we work, without losing what makes Suffolk’s communities special.

“Change on this scale is never easy. But I am confident that if we stay focused on delivering for our residents, then we can create something truly transformative: one council, one voice, one Suffolk.”

One Suffolk is one of two proposals submitted for LGR in Suffolk. The alternative proposal from Suffolk’s districts and borough councils, would see Suffolk split into three arbitrary council areas, putting key services such as social care at serious risk and costing millions to set up.

Following the submission of both opposing business case in September, it is expected that Government will put both out to a public consultation in late 2025. After the consultation period, Government Ministers will be making their final decision on how to proceed with LGR in Suffolk in early 2026.