District and borough councils unanimously reject county's single 'mega-council' proposal

Why it matters: District and borough leaders argue a single unitary authority would be too large to work effectively and too remote for residents to have their say, undermining local democracy and service delivery.

The leaders say Suffolk's varied communities — rural, coastal, industrial, agricultural and urban — require a more tailored approach than a "one size fits all" mega-council could provide.

The big picture: As part of the Government's English Devolution White Paper, councils nationally are being asked to consider reorganisation of local government, including disbanding county, district and borough councils in favour of newly created unitary authorities.

Driving the news: On 12 February, Ipswich Borough Council unanimously voted in favour of three unitary councils – Greater Ipswich, East Suffolk and West Suffolk – in what the council described as a "landmark show of unity" between Labour, Conservative, and Liberal Democrat councillors.

But on 25 February, Suffolk County Council announced opposing plans to submit a proposal for one unitary authority to replace the current six councils, claiming it would make services "simpler, cheaper and quicker."

A unified response: In a joint press release, the leaders of Babergh District Council, East Suffolk Council, Ipswich Borough Council, Mid Suffolk District Council and West Suffolk Council outlined their case for multiple unitary authorities, saying this approach would:

• Provide cost-effective and high-quality services

• Ensure long-term financial sustainability

• Support economic growth and local industry

• Strengthen democratic representation and community engagement

• Create governance systems adaptable to future needs

• Drive innovation and long-term success

• Support thriving communities and economies

What they're saying: "The creation of a mega council will break the connection between communities and the councillors who live and work within them," said Cllr Deborah Saw, Babergh District Council leader.

"The key to local government is in the word 'local'. This is why we strongly believe two or three unitary councils will deliver the best for Suffolk's communities. There is simply no evidence that bigger councils give you better services."

East Suffolk Council leader Caroline Topping called the single unitary proposal "a total failure of imagination", while Ipswich Borough Council leader Neil MacDonald emphasised the importance of "keeping local government truly local".

Mid Suffolk's Andy Mellen noted that "there is no proof from across the country that larger councils are more efficient or effective", and West Suffolk's Cliff Waterman argued that "multiple unitaries are big enough to deliver but still small enough to connect".

Cllr Neil MacDonald, Leader for Ipswich Borough Council, said:

Opinion

Keeping local government truly local is essential to ensuring that our communities are heard, and their needs are met effectively. One single unitary council for Suffolk would be too remote, making it harder for residents to have their say and for services to be shaped around the unique needs of different areas. Multiple unitaries are the right solution for keeping decision-making close to the people it affects and ensuring that local knowledge drives the delivery of services.

What's next: The five councils will hold meetings between 19-20 March to consider and discuss recommendations for new unitary models, forming an interim report to be submitted to the government by the 21 March deadline.

• Ipswich Borough Council – 19 March, Executive

• West Suffolk Council – 18 March, Council and Cabinet

• East Suffolk Council – 19 March, Council

• Mid Suffolk District Council – 19 March, Council

• Babergh District Council – 20 March, Council

The bottom line: The interim report will not constitute a final decision, with councils having further time to develop their preferred options before final submissions in September. New council structures would come into effect in 2028.