In the news
Suffolk faces 'historic decision' as council calls crucial devolution vote
Suffolk County Council will hold an extraordinary meeting on 9 January to decide whether to join the government's Devolution Priority Programme, as debate intensifies over the future of local democracy and governance.News
Jack Abbott welcomes £889m GP services reform plan
Ipswich residents could see major changes to local GP services under new government proposals that promise the biggest boost to GP funding in years. The plans aim to slash bureaucracy and ensure patients can see the same doctor at each appointment.News
Suffolk County Council to receive £44m boost for pothole repairs in 2025
Suffolk is set to receive £44 million to tackle potholes next year, including £11.7 million in new funding from the government's £1.6 billion national road repair scheme.News
Suffolk police to receive £5.5m funding boost from government
Suffolk's police force is set to receive an extra £5.5 million in government funding next year, the Home Office has announced. The increase represents a 5.6% rise from 2023-24.News
New powers could see water company bosses face prison for pollution as Anglian Water announces £884m investment plan for Suffolk and Essex
Water company executives who allow sewage pollution could face prison sentences under new legislation introduced to Parliament, announced on the same day Anglian Water received approval for its £884m investment plan for Suffolk and Essex.News
Ipswich primary schools urged to apply for free breakfast club scheme
Ipswich MP Jack Abbott is encouraging local primary schools to apply for a new government breakfast club programme. Schools have until 20 December to apply to become one of 750 'early adopters' ahead of a nationwide rollout in April 2025.News
Health Minister meets Ipswich MPs over cancelled surgery plans
The government minister responsible for primary care has met with Ipswich's MPs to discuss the cancelled development of a 'super surgery' in north west Ipswich. Stephen Kinnock MP held talks with local representatives following the scrapping of Cardinal Medical Practice's planned development at the former Tooks Bakery site.News
Suffolk to receive £9m government funding boost for bus services
Suffolk is set to receive nearly £9 million in government funding to improve local bus services. The investment aims to enhance popular routes, protect rural services and increase bus use across the county.News
Ipswich MP demands answers over Covid fraud recovery delays in Ipswich
Jack Abbott, MP for Ipswich, has questioned why it's taken over four years to address Covid contract fraud that affected local constituents who "sacrificed so much during the pandemic."News
Eviction threat at Churchmans House to "subside" following new government funding
The government has pledged additional funding for safety work at Churchmans House on Portman Road, Ipswich. The announcement will remove the threat of eviction hanging over residents, according to Ipswich MP Jack Abbott.News
St Francis Tower residents could return in 2025 after government funding secured
Evacuated residents of St Francis Tower in Ipswich could return to their homes by 2025 following new government funding. The announcement comes six months after residents were forced to leave due to flooding.News
Ipswich MP hails Budget's SEND funding boost in Commons speech
Ipswich MP Jack Abbott has praised the government's £1 billion investment in special educational needs during a House of Commons debate on the Budget. The Labour MP said the funding marks an important "statement of intent" to fix what he described as a "national crisis".News
Ipswich Crown Court cases moved to Cambridge to tackle backlog
Cases from Ipswich Crown Court are being moved to Cambridge as part of government efforts to tackle a backlog of more than 1,000 cases. The announcement came after Ipswich MP Jack Abbott raised concerns in Parliament today.News
Ipswich MP warns of crisis in grassroots music venues
Ipswich MP Jack Abbott has raised concerns about the future of local music venues during a Westminster debate, revealing that two grassroots venues are closing every week across the country.News
Special education system faces £4.6bn deficit as Ipswich MP warns of 'desperate' situation
A damning report has revealed England's special educational needs system is "financially unsustainable" and failing to deliver better outcomes for children, as Ipswich's MP warns local families have "utterly lost faith" in the service.News
Ipswich MP proposes new knife crime coalition amidst police funding debate
Ipswich MP Jack Abbott has called for a new Suffolk Knife Crime Coalition and a review of police funding as part of efforts to tackle violent crime in the county.News
Sizewell C pledges 500 jobs for Ipswich residents
Sizewell C has committed to creating 500 jobs for Ipswich residents during the construction of the new nuclear power plant, as part of an agreement with Ipswich MP Jack Abbott.News
Ipswich schools to benefit from £15m attendance boost
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson visited Ipswich on Friday to announce a major expansion of school attendance support. The government scheme will target 10,000 more children across 10 new areas, including Ipswich.News
Ipswich MP Jack Abbott declares Community Shield hospitality from UAE-owned Manchester City
Questions are being asked as Labour MP Jack Abbott has declared receiving hospitality and tickets from Manchester City Football Club to attend the FA Community Shield at Wembley Stadium, shortly after being elected as MP for Ipswich.News