Mid Suffolk agrees to progress plans for three unitary councils

25/07/25

Councillors at a meeting of Mid Suffolk District Council this week gave the green light to progress plans for three new unitary councils as part of the biggest shake-up of local government in 50 years.

The council formally agreed to join the county’s other district and borough councils in further developing a business case for a solution which they say will put the needs of local people first, offer genuine value for money and drive better outcomes for the whole county.

The change is as a result of the Government’s plans for local government reorganisation – part of its English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill – with all county, district and borough councils being replaced with ‘unitary’ councils from 2028.

Existing councils must submit their proposals for a new structure in September, with the government making a final decision.

Mid Suffolk’s leader Cllr Andy Mellen said:

“We are listening to what our communities are telling us, and they want new unitary authorities that are big enough to deliver, but still local enough to care.

“We have taken the time required to listen, to look at the size, viability and performance of other unitary authorities and to conduct financial analysis of all the options, rather than rushing to a single solution.

“Our district and borough councils already have a proven track record for delivering change while delivering services – saving more than £330m over the last 10 years by creating two new councils from four, sharing services, innovating and finding new income streams

“By halving the number of councils in Suffolk from six to three, we can deliver further savings, but also allow services to be redesigned to best meet the differing and varied needs of our communities – keeping local government local.”

All five district and borough councils have now formally agreed that three unitary councils are their preferred model following a series of full council meetings – Mid Suffolk’s being the last on Thursday (24 July).

Further work is now being carried out to refine the final business case. More details, including proposed boundaries, will be made publicly available well ahead of the final business case being presented in September – with the council continuing to welcome all feedback and comments in the meantime.