Suffolk faces 'historic decision' as council calls crucial devolution vote

Why it matters: The decision could trigger the biggest shake-up of local government in Suffolk since 1974, potentially replacing the current system with new unitary authorities and a regional mayor.

The big picture: The vote comes after the government published its English Devolution White Paper on 16 December, proposing broader devolution coupled with local government reorganisation.

What they're saying:

Councillor Matthew Hicks, leader of Suffolk County Council, said: "Changes of this scale create an opportunity to streamline local government, empower joined-up decision making, save taxpayers money and ensure councils are resistant to economic challenges."

Jack Abbott, Ipswich MP, was equally positive: "We are now on the pathway for a new devolution settlement for Suffolk and East Anglia; one that is irreversibly committed to giving real economic, social, and political power to local people."

Yes, but: Critics warn that a combined Norfolk-Suffolk authority would disadvantage Ipswich, with local businessman and campaigner Mark Ling arning that "Norfolk has 150,000 more people than Suffolk, any election will ALWAYS result in a mayor decided by Norfolk's preference, and its will."

Ling also points to previous regional partnerships that "delivered over £1bn in infrastructure upgrades to A11, A47, an almost complete Norwich orbital, and focus on Norwich-Cambridge tech corridor" while "delivering nothing for Ipswich & Felixstowe."

Details:

• All 75 county councillors will debate and vote on 9 January

• The Cabinet will make a final decision following the full council meeting

• Suffolk must submit its expression of interest by 10 January

• The government wants unitary councils serving populations of 500,000 or more, with some exceptions

Between the lines: The government proposes replacing the current system of district, borough and county councils with new unitary authorities and a combined Suffolk + Norfolk mayoral authority:

• Suffolk and Norfolk would likely be combined under a single directly-elected mayor, creating a strategic authority covering both counties.

• Transport and local infrastructure, skills and employment support, housing and strategic planning, economic development and regeneration, environment and climate change, health, wellbeing, public service reform and public safety would all be managed by the strategic authority covering both counties.

• Suffolk would likely be divided into: East Suffolk and West Suffolk – with both areas having approximately 400,000 residents.

Ipswich faces major shake-up as government reveals council reform plans

Sweeping changes to local government announced on Monday could transform how Ipswich is governed, as ministers plan to replace district and borough councils with new regional "strategic authorities" serving populations of 1.5 million or more.

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• 99 days ago

What's next:

• The extraordinary meeting starts at 2pm in the King Edmund Chamber, Endeavour House

• Public can watch via the council's YouTube channel

• If approved, Suffolk would join the government's Devolution Priority Programme

The bottom line: While supporters promise streamlined services and economic benefits, critics question whether Ipswich would receive fair representation under any combined authority.