Ipswich Borough Council is the local authority for Ipswich, Suffolk.
Organisation
Description
Suffolk County Council is the administrative authority for the county of Suffolk
In the news
Elm House conversion gets green light from council
Ipswich Borough Council has approved plans to convert a vacant office building into residential flats. The decision was made at a Planning & Development Committee meeting on Wednesday 18th Spetember.News
Orwell Bridge to close overnight for urgent repairs
A full westbound carriageway closure on the Orwell Bridge will be in place for the next two evenings to repair a potential defect discovered during a routine inspection.News
A tour of Portman Road with the West Stand Senior
During the international break, Ipswich.co.uk columnist and lifelong Town fan Barbara Spencer, AKA the West Stand Senior, decided to take a stadium tour to fill the weekend void. Here's what she wrote.Opinion
Applications open for 2025 school places in Ipswich, parents urged to apply before deadline
Parents and carers in Ipswich and Suffolk can now apply for primary and secondary school places for September 2025.News
Ipswich MP calls for Ipswich transport task force and Northern Bypass revival amid fresh Orwell bridge chaos
Jack Abbott, MP for Ipswich, has called for the re-establishment of the Ipswich Transportation Task Force (ITTF) following severe disruption caused by the partial closure of Orwell Bridge.News
Ipswich MP buoyant, Suffolk County Council furious as government scraps £500m Suffolk devolution deal
The government has scrapped a proposed devolution deal for Suffolk that would have brought over £500 million in funding and new decision-making powers to the county over 30 years.News
Sackers recycling centre expansion faces opposition amid fire concerns
At least 30 residents have objected to plans to expand a recycling yard in Great Blakenham that has experienced three serious fires.News
Thomas Wolsey 550 project celebrates success and new funding
The Thomas Wolsey 550 project has concluded its public programme after 550 days, marking a significant milestone for Ipswich's cultural heritage. The initiative has also secured additional funding to continue its education work until March 2025.News
Ipswich Taco Bell fit-out begins at Anglia Retail Park
The interior fit-out of the new Taco Bell restaurant is underway at Anglia Retail Park in Ipswich.News
Council set to award up to £5.3m to undisclosed town centre regeneration projects
Ipswich Borough Council's Executive is set to approve grants worth up to £5.3m to revitalise empty spaces in the town centre.News
Council to consider new community engagement strategy
Ipswich Borough Council's Executive will review recommendations for a new Community Engagement Strategy on Tuesday, 10th September, aiming to improve relations with residents.News
Council to consult on new housing and homelessness strategy
Ipswich Borough Council will consider adopting a new 5-year housing strategy next week, with plans to launch a public consultation if approved.News
Massive changes to how we recycle our waste are coming
Suffolk County Council is preparing for a major transformation of recycling and waste services, with £5.2m allocated to meet new statutory requirements by March 2026.News
Paradigm Trust set to run new Henley Gate school
Suffolk County Council has selected Paradigm Trust as its preferred academy trust to run the new primary school at Henley Gate in Ipswich.News
Ipswich residents to face new charges and reduced services as council looks to plug £23m shortfall
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.News
Suffolk residents urged to take up free NHS Health Checks
Suffolk adults aged 40-74 without pre-existing health conditions are being encouraged to take advantage of free NHS Health Checks. The programme aims to spot signs of serious conditions earlier and help people live healthier lives.News
Fitting out begins at new Lidl store set to create 40 jobs at Anglia Retail Park
The construction of a new Lidl supermarket set to open at Anglia Retail Park in Ipswich before Christmas, creating 40 new jobs in the town, has been completed.News
Ipswich Borough Council spends £7.5m buying back former council homes
Data obtained from Freedom of Information requests shows that, since 2015, Ipswich Borough Council has spent £7.5 million repurchasing homes previously sold under the Right to Buy scheme.News
Ipswich set for street art spectacle with Wild Walls Festival
Ipswich is gearing up for a vibrant celebration of street art and community spirit this September as the Wild Walls Festival transforms the town with murals, workshops, and family-friendly events.News
Ipswich residents missing out on potential Suffolk solar panel scheme savings
A community-led initiative for purchasing solar panels has gained traction across Suffolk, but Ipswich residents have been slow to adopt. The scheme aims to boost renewable energy use, cut carbon emissions, and reduce energy bills.News
Planning for derelict Wherstead Road site to be converted into flats approved
Ipswich Borough Council has unanimously approved plans to transform a long-abandoned office building on Wherstead Road into 24 flats.News
Legal challenge to Sunnica solar farm collapses as two councils withdraw
Suffolk County Council and East Cambridgeshire District Council have abandoned their legal challenge against the government's approval of the Sunnica solar farm project after West Suffolk Council and Cambridgeshire County Council pulled out.News
Suffolk's children's services downgraded from 'outstanding' to 'requires improvement' in latest Ofsted report
Oftsed has rated Suffolk County Council's children's services as 'requires improvement' in their latest report after rating them as 'outstanding' in 2019.News
Firefighters and council join forces to raise fire safety awareness
Ipswich Borough Council and Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service are joining forces for a fire safety awareness event on the Cornhill tomorrow. The event aims to educate residents about common causes of house fires and promote smoke alarm installation.News
Giant generator transport rescheduled, traffic disruption expected
A planned move of a 356-tonne generator through Suffolk has been rescheduled to Sunday, August 18, due to operational issues. The transport will cause significant road closures and traffic delays.News
Hollywells Park splash pad closed due to mechanical issues
The popular splash pad at Hollywells Park in Ipswich has been temporarily closed, disappointing families during a heatwave.News
Top bins: Town bins get the Premier League treatment
Ipswich Borough Council has teamed up with Ipswich Town FC to install 21 new ITFC-themed bins ahead of the club's Premier League return. The bins aim to boost recycling and keep the town clean as it prepares for increased visitor numbers.News
Electric car sharing scheme to launch in Suffolk next summer
Suffolk residents will soon have access to short-term electric vehicle rentals, with a new car club scheme set to launch across eight locations in the county next summer.News
Giant generators to cause traffic disruption this weekend
Two massive generators are set to be transported through Suffolk, causing road closures and traffic delays. The abnormal loads will travel from Ipswich Docks to Yaxley on August 11 and 18.News
Dr. Albert Grant OBE: As the far-right riots, we remember a life dedicated to equality and Ipswich
Dr. Albert Grant OBE, Ipswich's first black mayor and long-serving councillor, has passed away at 89. The well-loved community leader was known for his dedication to racial equality and justice.News
Council leader slams 'reckless' minister over £600m solar farm approval as council takes legal action
Suffolk County Council is taking legal action against the government over its approval of the £600m Sunnica solar farm project, citing inadequate compensation for the council's resulting workload.News
Ipswich shop owners invited to apply for £5,000 improvement grants
Independent businesses in Ipswich's shopping parades can now apply for up to £5,000 in grant funding to improve their shopfronts and accessibility as part of a scheme to enhance the appearance of neighbourhood shopping areas.News
Long awaited Europa Way link road construction to begin in September
A new link road connecting Sproughton Road and Bramford Road in Ipswich will start construction on 9 September 2024. The project aims to improve transport reliability, safety, and connectivity for sustainable travel modes.News
Council's PR machine generates record number of positive news stories amid local frustrations
Ipswich Borough Council is reporting record levels of positive media coverage despite many ongoing concerns from residents about key local issues.News
Suffolk County Council launches new strategy to support autistic people of all ages
Suffolk County Council and local health boards have unveiled a joint strategy and action plan aimed at improving the lives of autistic people across the county.News
Suffolk expands EV charging network with 60+ new community sites
Suffolk County Council is supercharging its electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, adding over 60 new community venues to its "Plug In Suffolk" project.News
Frontline staff praised as Suffolk boosts safeguarding despite pressures
The Suffolk Safeguarding Partnership's annual report for 2023-24 reveals significant progress in protecting vulnerable residents across the county.News
Ipswich property firm fined £60,000 over fire safety breaches
An Ipswich property management company and its director have been sentenced for breaching fire safety regulations at an apartment block with dangerous cladding.News
Young people invited to join Wild Walls urban art programme in Ipswich
A new urban art programme called Wild Walls is set to transform Ipswich this summer and autumn, offering young people aged 14-30 the chance to create murals and virtual reality graffiti art alongside established street artists.News
Progress against a backdrop of challenges for Suffolk's care for vulnerable children
Suffolk County Council's latest report on its care for vulnerable children reveals successes and ongoing challenges.News
Suffolk County Council to review support for children in care
Suffolk County Council's Cabinet will examine its annual report on support for children in care and care leavers at a meeting on 24 July. The report outlines the council's work as a "corporate parent" over the past year.News
Suffolk to join Norfolk in new tourism partnership led by Visit East of England
Suffolk and Norfolk are set to collaborate on a new tourism initiative intended to boost the local visitor economy. The partnership will give the region access to national funding and strategies.News
Council spends £20,000 on Safer Streets radio campaign
Ipswich Borough Council has awarded Global Media a £20,000 contract to deliver radio advertising for the Home Office-funded Safer Streets project.News
Council approves £22,952 for temporary cooling at IP City, local firm Pitkin & Ruddock win contract
Ipswich Borough Council has approved a £22,952 contract to provide temporary cooling for a unit at IP City following the failure of air conditioning systems.News
Suffolk County Council approves £9.1m special education needs funding boost amid soaring costs
Suffolk County Council approves an additional £9.1 million investment in special educational needs and disability (SEND) services over the next three years as demand surges and costs spiral.News
New AR trail brings Ipswich history to life
A free augmented reality (AR) adventure is taking over the Ipswich town centre this summer, allowing families to explore local history and attractions through their smartphones.News
Ipswich Regent Theatre's charity appeal receives overwhelming support
Theatregoers and council staff have donated hundreds of items to help people affected by homelessness in Ipswich.News
Ipswich Town Deal projects progress with £25m investment
A £25 million government investment is driving forward ten major projects to regenerate Ipswich town centre.News
Ipswich Borough Council approves new appointments to wholly owned companies
The Leader of Ipswich Borough Council has approved new appointments to the boards of several council-owned companies as part of a review of governance arrangements.News
Ipswich Borough Council approves housing ICT system contract
Ipswich Borough Council has greenlit a three-year contract extension for its housing management software, aiming to maintain current systems while adhering to procurement rules.News
A further 114 dwellings on the Henley Gate development set to be approved by the Council despite objections
Phase 3b of the Henley gate development is set to be approved by Ipswich Borough Council on Wednesday, 26th June, despite objections from Westerfield Parish Council and concerns raised by the Disabled Advice Bureau.News
Ipswich Borough Council awards £140,000 pest control contract to Millenium Pest Control
Ipswich Borough Council has approved a £140,000 contract for pest control services to be provided by Millenium Pest Control.News
Council approves one-year insurance contract for historic churches
Ipswich Borough Council has approved a one-year insurance contract with Zurich Insurance for historic churches, ensuring coverage from 1 April 2024 due to a lack of time to procure an alternative policy.News
Ipswich Borough Council publishes information on how to become a councillor along with remuneration details
For those interested in serving their community, Ipswich Borough Council outlines the process of becoming a councillor and details the allowances they receive.Resource