Millions of pounds of public money would be saved and reinvested in frontline services and benefits for the whole of Suffolk, if the Government backs a new plan published today (Monday 8 September).
The ambitious proposal will see all of Suffolk’s six councils abolished and replaced with one new unitary council - which would deliver both local and county-wide services.
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 eye-watering £145.3 million more than the current two-tier system. After the first five years, one council would save £39.4 million a year, 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 generic national modelling.
One Suffolk would have the capacity to create real improvements to council services which would benefit everyone, including:
- Improved financial resilience, enabling the unitary council to free up resources for frontline services and keep council tax as low as possible.
- 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.
- A proactive and revitalised highways service that says ‘yes’ more - acting swiftly, communicating clearly and delivering more.
- Creating a unified planning framework that delivers greater consistency, efficiency, and strategic alignment across Suffolk, paired with local planning committees so decisions are made close to home.
- Leveraging technology and innovation to create a modern council prepared for future challenges.
- 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.
Councillor Richard Rout, Suffolk County Council’s cabinet member for devolution, local government reform and NSIPs, said:
“I am certain that One Suffolk will deliver the greatest possible savings and the greatest improvement to services of any of the proposals put to government.
“It will save a net £39.4m each year, which, amongst other things, will enable the new council to establish a new locality model backed by 16 locality teams, empower towns and parish councils that want to do more to take on funding and responsibilities, and deliver initiatives like a new deal for Market Towns and Ipswich which is backed by a £40m capital investment pot and a full review of car parking and markets conducted hand-in-hand with business.
“When we go through a process like this and tell residents it will save money, it is only fair they feel that benefit on day one of the new council. That is why we back harmonising Council Tax to the lowest level in Suffolk. Currently this would see everyone in Suffolk have their bills reduced, apart from in Mid Suffolk where bills would be frozen at the same level.
“We are very clear that this would be a brand-new council with a new culture and a new relationship with residents, businesses, community and voluntary organisations and town and parish councils. Too often our existing councils, both county and district or borough, start from a position of no. We’ve heard this loud and clear and have built the One Suffolk proposal around enabling what people want to see locally and giving them access to their local council.
“I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their engagement with the One Suffolk campaign. We spoke directly to residents, members of the business community, voluntary, community, faith and social enterprises, parish and town councils, and political stakeholders and other key influencers.
“Together we have created a plan for Suffolk that we can all proudly stand behind.”
One Suffolk was developed by Suffolk County Council in response to Government’s call to reorganise local government across the country and move away from the current two-tier system that has been in place since 1974.
This is the first of two business cases expected from Suffolk’s councils outlining their proposed plans for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in the county.
Under the One Suffolk proposal is the creation of a brand-new organisation with new councillors, innovative service delivery methods, and streamlined local communications and accountability. This isn't just a continuation or expansion of the existing structure. One Suffolk will forge new relationships with town and parish councils, businesses, voluntary groups, and public sector organisations.
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 many 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 One Suffolk campaign engaged communities from across Suffolk, with 8,189 responses to our Residents’ Survey. This made it the largest survey response rate for the county council in the past decade.
Subject to approval by the Council’s Cabinet on 16 September, the One Suffolk business plan will be submitted to Government by 26 September. Government Ministers will be then deciding later this year which proposals to put out to public consultation, before making their final decision in early 2026.
The full business case can be downloaded via the following link:
