1. Home
  2. Your council and democracy
  3. Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation

Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation

Find out more about the Government’s plans for devolution and local government reorganisation, and what it means for our region.
  • Devolution
    Find out more about the Government’s plans to form a Mayoral Combined Authority for Norfolk and Suffolk and have your say
  • Local Government Reorganisation
    Find out more about proposals to replace Suffolk County Council and the five district and borough councils, and why we propose 2-3 unitary authorities rather than one mega-council to cover the whole of Suffolk
  • Latest News
    Keep up to date with the latest information

Devolution

The UK government has launched an eight-week Norfolk and Suffolk devolution consultation. The consultation seeks views on a proposal to form a Mayoral Combined County Authority for the local government areas across Norfolk and Suffolk.

The consultation invites those who live and work across both counties to share their views on:

  • the proposed geography
  • the effect of establishing a Mayoral Combined County Authority in Norfolk and Suffolk
  • how the Mayoral Combined County Authority will make decisions

It is important to note that this consultation does not cover proposals for changes to our existing councils. Views on local government reorganisation will be sought as part of a separate process.

Have your say on the UK government’s devolution consultation

The consultation opened on Monday 17 February and will run until Sunday 13 April 2025.

What is devolution?

Devolution is the transfer of powers and funding from UK government to local authority level. It is important because decisions are made closer to the local people, communities and businesses they affect.

What does devolution look like?

A devolution deal would create a new single body, known as a Strategic Authority, for Norfolk and Suffolk. It would initially take the form of a combined county authority.

These arrangements would be agreed prior to the first Mayoral election, which would take place in May 2026.

The key functions of the strategic authority would include strategic transport functions, such as support for buses, trains and concessionary fares, skills and driving economic growth.

What would devolution mean for us?

Here is Suffolk, all six of the county, district and borough councils would cease to exist, and be replaced by one or more unitary authorities. These brand-new authorities will take over all local government functions in the area they cover.

This means that, in the area where you live, you will only have one council to deal with, rather than two. For areas with town and parish councils, these will continue in their existing form and are not included in the unitary process.

What is the Devolution Priority Programme?

The Devolution Priority Programme is a fast-track process with additional support for areas wishing to establish a Mayoral Combined County Authority at pace.

On 5 February 2025, the Government confirmed that Suffolk and Norfolk will be on the Devolution Priority Programme, which will see a regional Mayor elected in May 2026.

The Government also agreed to a request from Suffolk County Council for elections that were due to take place in May 2025 to be postponed.

What powers would the elected Mayor have?

The Mayor would be directly elected by the people of Norfolk and Suffolk. The elected Mayor would have the ability to speak directly to government ministers and secure funding for local projects. They would also be able to make important decisions, attract investment and improve infrastructure – taking a wider, strategic role spanning multiple councils.

When can we expect this to take place?

Now we have received confirmation that we are on the Priority Programme, the UK government is looking to create a Mayoral Combined County Authority for Norfolk and Suffolk by May 2026. Mayoral elections would take place in that month.

Do I have a say in this?

Yes! We are encouraging everyone to have their say in the UK government’s consultation, which runs from Monday 17 February until Sunday 13 April 2025.

Where can I find out more?

Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)

The government’s long-term vision is for simpler council structures, which make it clear who is responsible for services.

At present, across Suffolk, services are split between Suffolk County Council, and one of five district or borough councils in a ‘two-tier’ arrangement.

'Two tier' means that some local services, such as some parks, allotments, cemeteries, community centres, markets etc., may also be delivered by your local town or parish council. Town and parish councils are not directly affected by these proposals.

Depending on where you live, you currently receive services from Suffolk County Council and either Babergh District Council, East Suffolk Council, Mid Suffolk District Council, West Suffolk Council or Ipswich Borough Council.

The government believes reorganising and simplifying councils can drive economic growth while delivering better public services.

Reorganisation would see all six councils in Suffolk replaced with one or more all-purpose ‘unitary’ authorities who would be responsible for all local authority services in their area.

When can we expect this to take place?

We submitted interim plans on 21 March 2025, to be followed by full plans in September. Timelines for the remainder of the LGR process are subject to the proposals received. However, elections to shadow authorities could be expected in May 2027 following consultation, with new unitaries going live in April 2028.

What’s your council’s position?

Our council has joined with Suffolk's other district and borough councils to oppose Suffolk County Council’s proposal for one unitary council to deliver services for the whole of the county – which will be too large to work effectively and too remote for local residents to be heard.

Our joint interim report submitted to government describes how ‘a one size fits all’ approach will not work for a county with such varied communities and businesses - rural, coastal, industrial, agricultural and urban.

Only by creating multiple unitary authorities for Suffolk can we achieve greater outcomes for residents, grow the economy and provide flexible solutions to meet the needs of local communities.

Two/three unitary authorities will provide:

  • Cost effective and high-quality services for Suffolk residents
  • Long term financial sustainability
  • Economic growth and support to local industry
  • Stronger democratic representation, community engagement and neighbourhood empowerment
  • Governance and support systems which can adapt to future aspirations and sustainable growth
  • Ambitions to drive progress, innovation, and long-term success
  • Structures to support and enable thriving communities and economies

Read the report in full

What happens next?

We will continue to work with other authorities to develop proposals that we believe provide the best solutions for our residents and communities. We will also ensure that everyone has chance to have their say on future plans, ahead of the final business case being submitted to government in September.

Latest news