New Councils for Suffolk in Major Shake-up

Wednesday, 25 March 2026 18:00

Proposed map of Suffolk's three new unitary councils

Major changes are coming to local government in Suffolk after confirmation that the county will move to a new three-council system.

The government has announced that Suffolk will be split into three unitary authorities, replacing the current two-tier system of a county council and five district councils.

Under the new structure, each authority will be responsible for delivering all local services. This includes bin collections, planning, highways, social care, housing and libraries.

The existing councils set to be replaced include Suffolk County Council and the district authorities covering areas such as East Suffolk, Ipswich, Babergh, Mid Suffolk and West Suffolk.

While exact boundaries have not yet been finalised, the county is expected to be broadly divided into three areas – East, West and Greater Ipswich – each serving around 250,000 residents.

The changes form part of wider government plans to simplify local government structures across England.

Elections for the new “shadow” councils are expected to take place in 2027, with the new authorities due to take full control of services in 2028.

The decision has prompted mixed reaction.