Suffolk councils unite for survey to shape future of vital services amid devolution shake-up

Authorities hope residents will help them ‘shape the future of Suffolk’ as they seek their views on vital services going forward.

Ahead of a shake-up to councils as part of the Government’s devolution plans, Suffolk’s district and borough councils believe the county would best be served by more than one unitary council.

Babergh District Council, East Suffolk Council, Ipswich Borough Council, Mid Suffolk District Council and West Suffolk Council have launched a county-wide survey asking residents to have their say on what is important where they live and work.

This will help shape their case for multiple authorities in Suffolk, creating councils that are ‘big enough to deliver, but local enough to care’.

The survey can be accessed here.

In a joint statement, the leaders of the councils said: “We want to transform public services, so they work for all our citizens and communities, and we want you to help us shape them.

“Suffolk County Council has only one plan, to create a single mega-council, which we believe would be out of touch with communities and residents.

“It would cover a vast geographical area seeking to save as much money as possible, no matter how perilous the impact on local democracy, the quality of services provided or proper accountability where you live.

“We can’t let that happen and we want to hear what you think, to understand the challenges and opportunities, and to ensure that all of Suffolk is listened to and properly represented in the generational changes which are taking place.”

The leaders were certain a multiple unitary model, which each council offering services to different, recognisable parts of the county, was vital to meeting each community’s needs.

However, they were greatly encouraged by recent Government feedback, which made it clear they wished to make a case for smaller authorities, with a true sense of place and local identity.

They added: “Creating more than one unitary council in Suffolk will ensure strong local leadership and democratic representation, better community engagement, neighbourhood empowerment and more responsive councils.

“We want more locally targeted, modern and flexible services, to drive better outcomes and value, rather than a basic and unimaginative ‘one size fits all’ option which simply bolts district and borough services on to an old and tired county council system.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to work with communities, service users and organisations to rewire how services are delivered and drive better outcomes to meet local needs.

“It’s particularly important that we can make a strong financial case for change – not only highlighting how we can deliver savings in the short and medium term, but how we can absolutely guarantee the future sustainability of the services people depend on.”

The statement was delivered by Cllr John Ward, leader of Babergh District Council; Cllr Caroline Topping, leader of East Suffolk Council; Cllr Neil MacDonald, leader of Ipswich Borough Council; Cllr Andy Mellen, leader of Mid Suffolk District Council, and Cllr Cliff Waterman, Leader of West Suffolk Council.

The survey closes on July 25.