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Council spends 77p in every pound on care services as funding gap grows

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Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

Ipswich's only independent news website

We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

Suffolk County Council has revealed that children's and adult care now consumes 77 pence of every pound spent as it appeals to the Chancellor for additional local government funding ahead of Wednesday's Autumn Budget.

The big picture: The council says public funding is not keeping pace with service demands despite implementing cost-saving measures over the past five years.

Why it matters: The outcome could affect residents in two ways:

  • Future council tax rates could be impacted

  • Public service delivery may need to be reviewed

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

By the numbers:

  • 77p of every £1 goes to children's and adult care services.

  • The council has made savings over 5 years, but reports its budget gap continues to grow.

What they're saying: Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Cllr Richard Smith MVO, said in a letter to the Chancellor: "We accept fully how demand for funding for public services is universal, with all eyes looking towards the Treasury for urgent financial relief."

He added: "The council feels it essential that the pressures facing local authorities are fully recognised by government and reflected in the local government settlement."

Looking ahead: The Chancellor's Autumn Budget statement is scheduled for Wednesday.

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

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

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Mountain bike stolen from outside Anglia Retail Park restaurant

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Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

Ipswich's only independent news website

We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

Police are appealing for witnesses after a blue Boardman mountain bike was stolen from outside Tim Hortons in Ipswich.

The bicycle was taken between 10.20 and 10.30 on Thursday 6 March from outside the restaurant at Anglia Retail Park.

The blue Boardman mountain bike was stolen
Police are appealing for witnesses after a blue Boardman mountain bike was stolen from outside Tim Hortons in IpswichSuffolk Constabulary

Ipswich Police shared the appeal on social media, asking anyone with information to come forward.

Officers have assigned the crime reference number 37/12273/25 to the case.

Anyone who witnessed the theft or has information about the stolen blue Boardman mountain bike is asked to contact police via their online reporting system at https://orlo.uk/2zoxs or by calling 101, quoting the crime reference number.

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

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

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