Suffolk's Local Government Shake-Up Proposals

Saturday, 10 January 2026 11:40

Big changes to how Suffolk is governed are being considered — and local people are being encouraged to have their say before the consultation closes Sunday - 11th January.

A government consultation is under way on plans to reorganise local councils across Suffolk, following the submission of competing proposals from county and district authorities. The outcome could reshape how services are delivered and how decisions are made for communities including Lowestoft, Beccles, Saxmundham and the wider East Suffolk area.

A joint proposal has been put forward by Babergh, East Suffolk, Ipswich, Mid Suffolk and West Suffolk councils. It suggests dividing Suffolk into three new unitary councils. These would cover western Suffolk, central and eastern areas, and Ipswich with southern Suffolk, with some existing district boundaries changed and several parishes moved between areas.

An alternative proposal has been submitted by Suffolk County Council - and would see a single unitary authority created for the entire county. This would replace the current county and district councils with one body responsible for all local services.

People across Suffolk are being encouraged to read the proposals and share their views as part of the formal consultation process - which can be found here.

The consultation, run by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, asks residents and organisations for their views on each option. Feedback will be used to help assess which proposal, if any, should go ahead.

Supporters of reorganisation argue it could simplify decision-making and reduce duplication, while critics have raised concerns about local identity and how well communities would be represented.