'Power grab' accusations fly as Suffolk councils battle over devolution plans

Why it matters: The government's English Devolution White Paper presents what Ipswich Borough Council leader Neil MacDonald calls a "once-in-a-generation opportunity" to reshape local governance in Suffolk, with rival models vying for approval.

The big picture: Suffolk County Council supports creating a single unitary authority covering the entire county, while Ipswich Borough Council unanimously backs a three-council approach based around Ipswich, Lowestoft and Bury St Edmunds.

State of play: Suffolk County Council on 13 March ruled an amendment from Labour councillors seeking a three-unitary model as "out of order," preventing debate on alternatives to the single-council proposal.

• Suffolk's Labour County Councillors argue that Suffolk residents identify with one of three major settlements for their public services, commercial hubs, and centres of leisure and social activity.

• Councillor Sandy Martin, Leader of the Labour Group, said: "There are differences of opinion about whether there should be one single unitary council or three, but to refuse to have a proper debate about it shows the Conservatives' contempt for the views of others."

The opposition view: The Green, Liberal Democrat and Independent group at Suffolk County Council has also criticised the single-council approach.

• Councillor Andrew Stringer, the group's leader, said: "The administration are hoping that the creation of a single unitary council will provide a lifeboat for council finance in Suffolk – but this is not a given."

• "We will fight for keeping the 'local' in local democracy every step of the way," he added.

On the other side: Suffolk County Council's motion argued that a single unitary authority would deliver the best outcomes and greatest financial savings, claiming that splitting social care services between multiple councils could worsen outcomes for vulnerable residents.

Meanwhile in Ipswich: Borough councillors met on Wednesday, 19 March and unanimously reinforced their earlier decision to promote a three-unitary model.

• The council emphasised Ipswich's historic and economic importance, noting the town's 825th anniversary of receiving its Charter from King John.

• Neil MacDonald said: "The current system is fragmented and does not serve the town's needs. By unanimously supporting this interim plan, we are reinforcing our case for a governance model that gives Ipswich the leadership, investment, and representation it deserves."

What's next: Councils must submit their interim plans to central government by 21 March, with further engagement with residents, businesses, and community stakeholders in the coming months leading to final submissions in September.

The bottom line: The battle over Suffolk's governance reflects deeper tensions between centralised efficiency and local representation, with the government set to make the final decision on which model will prevail.