Millions of pounds of taxpayers’ money is at stake, as is the sustainability and delivery of critical public services like social care, highways and housing.
The One Suffolk business case demonstrates that a single unitary for Suffolk is the only financially viable option. In 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 as used in the three-council model.
In addition to financial resilience, the One Suffolk plan spells out how the proposed unitary council creates key benefits for the county, including:
- Harmonising Council Tax to the lowest level across Suffolk in year one. 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 £40 million 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.
The alternative, 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.
The three unitary proposal relies on business cases produced elsewhere in the country that have since proved undeliverable. It does not address the enormous risks and costs associated with splitting up critical services such as social care and children’s services and poses clear risks to the most vulnerable people in Suffolk.
Not only would three councils cost significantly more than a single unitary for Suffolk - it would also cost more than the current two-tier system. 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.
Councillor Richard Rout, Suffolk County Council’s cabinet member for devolution, local government reform and NSIPs, said:
“If anyone understands local government in Suffolk, it’s Paul Geater – so his backing is very welcome indeed.
“I fully appreciate that, right now, there are a lot of huge financial figures and complex proposals circulating around. It can be bewildering at the best of times. But ultimately it boils down to a choice between a plan for One Suffolk which on every level is smarter, simpler and better for our county or a proposal for three councils that will waste public money and put vulnerable residents at risk by break up services.
“If people are unsure and don’t feel able to take our word for it, they can listen to the growing number of prominent voices backing One Suffolk.
“Thousands have already engaged with us and helped shape the One Suffolk proposal. I urge everyone to have their say in the Government’s public consultation.”
The public consultation will be live until 11 January 2026. After the consultation period, Government ministers will be making their final decision on how to proceed with LGR in Suffolk in early 2026.
