Suffolk County Council propose single council for all of Suffolk

Why it matters: The proposed structure would bring together all council services under one roof, including waste collection, social care, planning, highways, and education, which Suffolk County Council claim will reduce duplication and lower administrative costs.

The big picture: The proposal follows a recent government announcement that Suffolk's existing county, district and borough councils will be replaced with a single-tier system – referred to as devolution.

Currently, six separate authorities deliver public services across Suffolk, which county leaders argue creates unnecessary bureaucracy and confusion.

Yes, but: There appears to be little support for a single unitary authority.

• Ipswich Borough Council has already declared it's desire for three unitary councils: East Suffolk, West Suffolk and a "Greater Ipswich" authority.

• East Suffolk Council, external leader Caroline Topping, has stated that two or three councils would be preferred over one and her views were shared by Paul Ashton, group leader for the Liberal Democrats at East Suffolk and deputy leader of the council.

• Jenny Riddell-Carpenter, the Labour MP for Suffolk Coastal suggested that her preference was to become a part of an East Suffolk council, potentially damaging IBC's hopes of a Greater Ipswich authority.

Ipswich MP Jack Abbott and North Ipswich and Central Suffolk MP Patrick Spencer have remained tight lipped on the subject.

What they're saying: "The financial benefits of unitary local government are clear. By cutting unnecessary bureaucracy, the new council – whoever may serve on it – will have more money to invest in frontline public services, ensuring better value for taxpayers," said Cllr Richard Rout, Suffolk County Council's cabinet member for devolution, local government reform and NSIPs.

Key benefits outlined by the council include:

• Simpler for residents – making it easier to understand and contact local government

• Clearer accountability – reducing confusion over responsibilities

• Better use of funding – creating a more coherent, strategic approach to budgeting

• Better alignment of services – improving coordination between previously separate functions

• More efficient decision-making – allowing faster responses

• Stronger leadership – providing a clear strategic voice for Suffolk

It is also the outcome that is most likely to protect Suffolk County Council jobs, although this wasn't mention in their press statement.

Between the lines: County leaders warn that splitting services among multiple bodies would force duplication of essential functions currently managed at county level, such as social care and highways maintenance.

What's next: The council will submit its initial proposal to the government by 21 March, followed by a more detailed business case later this year. The government will then conduct a public consultation.

The bigger picture: The government's plans also include the election of a mayor for Suffolk and Norfolk in May 2026, who would take control over strategic policy areas including transport infrastructure, economic development, health improvement and blue light services.

The bottom line: "If the government is serious about delivering savings, efficiencies, better outcomes for residents and financially sustainable local government, then there is only one answer - one council for Suffolk," said Cllr Rout. Few appear to agree with him.