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Ipswich residents to face new charges and reduced services as council looks to plug £23m shortfall

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

Ipswich Borough Council has announced a proposed Budget Delivery Plan aimed at addressing a projected £23 million shortfall over the next four years. The plan includes savings measures of up to £20 million across general and housing funds.

The big picture: Local authorities around the UK are facing significant financial challenges due to reduced government funding, COVID-19 impacts and ongoing inflation.

Why it matters: The proposed measures aim to ensure the council can continue delivering essential services while maintaining fiscal responsibility in the face of these financial pressures.

Why it's necessary: The council is facing a £23m funding deficit over the next four years and needs to take proactive measures to address it.

Measures being taken: The plan aims to save up to £16 million from the General Fund and £4 million from the Housing Revenue Account.

Measures fall into five categories:

  • Removing subsidies

  • Income generation

  • Service availability changes

  • Delivery adjustments

  • Administrative savings

Crown Pools
Crown Pools is expected to reduce its opening hours as part of the planned measuresOliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

What it means: New charges and reduced services. Specific changes being explored include:

  • Introducing charges for garden waste collection (brown bins) and exhibitions at Wolsey Art Gallery.

  • Some facilities, including Crown Pools, Fore Street Baths, Christchurch Mansion, and the Town Hall, will see reduced opening hours.

  • The council will partner with specialised providers for certain services like waste enforcement and stray dog handling.

  • Other services will be streamlined to ensure they are delivered effectively and sustainably.

  • The Council will also implement administrative savings, including reducing contributions to the Suffolk Pension Fund, reviewing the Capital Programme, and optimising back-office operations.

What they're saying: Council Leader Neil MacDonald: "While we face difficult decisions, our priority remains to protect essential frontline services wherever possible."

Councillor Martin Cook, Portfolio Holder for Resources: "We are committed to taking steps to secure a sustainable financial future for Ipswich while being transparent and accountable throughout this process."

The bottom line: The council faces tough choices to balance its budget amid rising costs and reduced funding. While the proposed plan aims to maintain essential services, residents will see changes in service delivery and new charges for some previously free services.

The council's ability to navigate these financial challenges will be crucial for the future of public services in Ipswich, but few will be pleased with the proposals.

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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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

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