One Suffolk: Providing a smarter, simpler and better future for local government

Suffolk County Council has today (9 January 2026) confirmed its formal response to the Government’s public consultation on LGR, strongly supporting the One Suffolk plan for a single unitary authority which would save millions and streamline services.

The council’s Cabinet also agreed on its response to the alternative proposal, highlighting its significant concerns around carving Suffolk into three made up areas.

These two consultation responses are set to be submitted to government ahead of its 11 January deadline.

The One Suffolk plan - for a single unitary authority in Suffolk delivering all services locally and county-wide - will save millions and strengthen local services.

Meanwhile the alternative proposal will see Suffolk divided into three new arbitrary areas, cost more than the status quo and put Suffolk’s most vulnerable residents at risk.

Ultimately, the decision on the outcome of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) sits with the Government. However, the public consultation seeks to hear from Suffolk residents as well as named consultees from a wide range of sectors.

Councillor Matthew Hicks, Leader of Suffolk County Council, said:

“Today’s discussion is a pivotal moment in the journey of LGR – and one which will have lasting implications for all of us who live and work in Suffolk.

“In our consultation responses, we set out clearly and unequivocally why One Suffolk represents the smartest, simplest and best option for local government in this county.

“It is abundantly clear that One Suffolk is the only financially viable option, delivering improved services for residents while ensuring no adverse impact on our most vulnerable. A single unitary authority gives us the rare opportunity to bring together and harmonise services that make a real difference to our residents and businesses.”

“In contrast, our response to the alternative proposal for three unitary councils sets out serious and fundamental concerns. These concerns have been echoed by industry experts across a range of sectors.

“We cannot stand by and allow Suffolk to be carved into three – an outcome that would have serious consequences for the communities that we all represent.”

In recent months the One Suffolk proposal has gained support from community leaders across the county, from sectors including business, health, social care, agriculture and tourism. Additionally, leading think tank Centre for Cities produced its report Priority Growth: How to reorganise local government in 2026, which explains how One Suffolk is the best option for supporting economic growth.

The alternative proposal, from Suffolk’s districts and borough councils, will see the county split into three arbitrary council areas, which could put key services such as social care at serious risk and cost millions to set up.

By creating three new areas across Suffolk, essential county-wide services like adult social care and children’s services must be disaggregated - resulting in higher costs and a postcode lottery for the county’s most vulnerable residents.

The deadline for responding to the Government’s consultation is 11 January 2026 and responses can be completed online.