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Council launches consultation on tax rises and service cuts

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Suffolk County Council has launched a public consultation on its 2025-26 budget, seeking the views of residents, businesses and other community groups on potential Council Tax increases and spending priorities amid growing financial pressures.

The big picture: The council is facing critical funding issues as demand for services continues to rise while public funding struggles to keep pace.

Why it matters: Rising costs for adult and children's care services are putting pressure on council finances, so the council must find new ways to fund essential services. Residents' feedback will help shape decisions on service priorities and Council Tax rates.

Entrance to Endeavour House, the Suffolk County Council office building
Endeavour House in IpswichOliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

Key details:

  • The consultation opens on Friday, 1 November

  • It runs until Monday, 16 December 2024

  • Responses will inform the final budget in February 2025

  • Results will be included in the final budget report

What they're saying: "Despite these challenges, we are committed to prioritising support for our most vulnerable residents, but this does mean that we continue to face difficult decisions about the other services we deliver," said Cllr Richard Smith, Suffolk County Council's Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance.

Between the lines: While additional government funding has been announced for local government, the council says it won't know Suffolk's allocation until later in the year, creating uncertainty in the budget planning process.

How to participate: Residents, businesses and other community groups can share their views through an online survey at www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/2025_26_budget

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

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Police appeal after golf ball attack damages historic Landguard Fort

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Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

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Over 40 golf balls were driven at Felixstowe's Landguard Fort, causing mortar damage to the historic structure's outer wall.

Why it matters: The damage constitutes an offence under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979, which protects historically significant sites.

Inside the Landguard Fort in Felixstowe
Inside the Landguard Fort in FelixstoweGetty Images

The details: Suffolk Police reported that the incident took place between 17:00 on Monday, 10 March and 09:00 on Tuesday, 11 March.

The golf balls were driven from a grass mound outside the fort on Point View Road, with some projectiles clearing the outer wall and landing in the inner parade area.

What's next: Officers are urging anyone who witnessed the incident or has information about those responsible to come forward.

How to help: Contact Suffolk Police quoting crime reference 37/13803/25 via:

Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through their online form.

The bottom line: This act of vandalism has caused damage to one of Felixstowe's most important historic landmarks, which is protected by national legislation.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

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