Skip to main contentEnter
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

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

Ipswich Borough Council and opposition leaders reject Suffolk County Council's single authority plan

News
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 Green, Liberal Democrat and Independent Group and Ipswich Borough Council leaders have publicly rejected Suffolk County Council's proposal for a single unitary authority, calling for more localised governance instead.

Why it matters: Opposition leaders argue that a single unitary council would reduce local representation and fail to address the distinct needs of different Suffolk communities.

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 yesterday, 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."

What they're saying: "We are disappointed but not surprised that the county council administration are proposing a single unitary council for Suffolk before the business case has even been written," said Councillor Andrew Stringer, Suffolk Green, Liberal Democrat and Independent Group Leader.

Stringer warned that "a single unitary council for Suffolk could well take decision-making further away from communities, as it will lead to larger electoral divisions and decisions being made centrally for the whole county."

Councillor Neil MacDonald, Leader of Ipswich Borough Council, echoed these concerns: "Suffolk County Council's proposal for a single unitary council for Suffolk fails to acknowledge Ipswich's unique needs. Our town and its surrounding communities deserve a council that truly understands and champions them."

Between the lines: The Greens questioned the economic benefits of a single authority, with Stringer noting: "Many councils that have unitarised have spent millions on doing so and many are yet to see a penny of savings or services improve."

The bottom line: Opposition groups have vowed to challenge the county's proposal, with Stringer declaring: "We will fight for keeping the 'local' in local democracy every step of the way."

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

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

Ipswich's only free and independent news publication

Support our journalism

We can't do this without you! Unlike the Ipswich Star and East Anglian Daily Times, Ipswich.co.uk has no banner advertising and no wealthy US corporate owners.

So, if you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for a better Ipswich, please consider contributing just £24 per year.

Every penny matters and allows us to keep producing good quality local journalism that respects your time, attention and privacy.

Become a supporter

Police appeal after golf ball attack damages historic Landguard Fort

News
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

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

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

Load next article