Ipswich Borough Council
Ipswich Borough Council is the local authority for Ipswich, Suffolk.
Meet the experts
Jane Riley
Portfolio Holder for Culture and CustomersJane Riley has served as borough councillor for Alexandra Ward in Ipswich since 2014. An Ipswich native and qualified solicitor, she is involved in local education initiatives and serves as a trustee for several organizations, including the Ipswich Film Theatre Trust.
Neil MacDonald
LeaderCouncillor Neil MacDonald, a Labour representative for St John's Ward since 2000, leads Ipswich Borough Council.
News
Ipswich councillors back 1,000-home plan despite £4.7m school funding row
Ipswich Borough Council has approved plans for up to 1,020 homes at Red House Farm despite Suffolk County Council's formal objection over a £4.7 million shortfall in education funding.by
João Santosand
Oliver Rouane-Williams
News
'For the love of God, yes': Residents back M&S plans for derelict Toys R Us site
Plans to transform the former Toys R Us building that has stood empty for seven years into a £31m M&S store have received unanimous support from local residents, with officers recommending approval despite concerns about footfall diversion from the town centre.byOliver Rouane-WilliamsandJoão Santos
News
Candidates brand 'appalling' mayoral election delay a 'sorry mess' as Labour defends decision
The government has postponed "fast-tracked" elections for a new Suffolk and Norfolk mayor for two years, prompting fury from candidates who have branded the decision "appalling" and a "sorry mess".byOliver Rouane-Williams
News
Arsonists destroy Chantry Park play tower months after disability-focused upgrade
A suspected arson attack has destroyed a play tower at Chantry Park on Tuesday night, just three months after the council opened the upgraded facility.byOliver Rouane-Williams
News
The Baths to become creative powerhouse with £1.92m transformation
A £1.92m investment will breathe new life into The Baths, creating a Creative Digital Skills Lab designed to connect and inspire Ipswich's next generation of creative talent with training, facilities and job opportunities on their doorstep.byOliver Rouane-Williams
Feature
Regent Theatre transformation provides perfect launchpad for town's City of Culture bid
As Ipswich Town chairman Mark Ashton urged the town to "celebrate all the amazing things happening" at Friday's City of Culture launch, the Regent Theatre provided the perfect evidence. The £3.45 million transformation of this 96-year-old landmark proves Ipswich is serious about culture – and ready to show the rest of the UK what it's been missing.byOliver Rouane-Williams
Feature
'Talk this town up' – Football boss's passionate plea for Ipswich City of Culture bid
Ipswich Town FC chairman Mark Ashton doesn't do half measures, and his speech launching Ipswich's City of Culture bid made that crystal clear – the club's leader wants everyone to stop undermining the town and start celebrating what makes it special as it gears up for its 2029 City of Culture bid.byOliver Rouane-Williams
News
New benches in Ipswich parks offer lifeline to those struggling with mental health
Two specially designed benches now sit in Bourne and Chantry Parks, each equipped with solar-powered QR codes that provide 24-hour access to mental health support services for anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts.byOliver Rouane-Williams
News
Council leaders clash (again) over financial projections in Suffolk reorganisation debate
District and borough council leaders backing a three-council proposal for Suffolk have, again, accused the county council of misleading the public over the financial impact of their One Suffolk plan, claiming detailed analysis shows it would cost an extra £81.8m over five years rather than delivering promised savings.byOliver Rouane-Williams
News
Free business support programme helps Ipswich startups beat survival odds
Over 90% of entrepreneurs in Ipswich backed by Start, Build & Grow, a free business support programme, are still trading after their first year – a survival rate far above national averages.by
Matt Stott
News
Government launches consultation on Suffolk council reorganisation
Suffolk residents have until 11 January 2026 to have their say on proposals that could see the county's six councils replaced by either one or three unitary authorities.byOliver Rouane-Williams
News
One Suffolk campaign 'misleading and dishonest', say district councils
Suffolk's district and borough councils have written to the Government accusing Suffolk County Council of breaching publicity guidelines and using taxpayers' money to fund lobbying activities in support of its One Suffolk devolution proposal. The county council strongly refutes the claims.byOliver Rouane-Williams
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