Plans revealed for three councils in Suffolk

The leaders of the district and borough council said they had been working closely on the plans

A group of councils published their plans for the future of local government in Suffolk, with the county divided into three local authorities under their proposals.

The current two-tier structure is set to be scrapped by the government, with a decision over the future make-up expected to be announced early in 2026.

The current district and borough council plans would see new authorities based around the largest towns in Ipswich, Bury St Edmunds and Lowestoft. Suffolk County Council proposed a single unitary authority that would provide all services across the entire county.

A deadline to submit plans to the government is set for 26 September, followed by a public consultation from November until February.

The proposed borders for the new councils would see roughly even population splits of around 250,000 people

Under the district and borough council plans, there would also be a reduction in the number of councillors overall, with around 60 proposed for each of the new authorities.

Names for the three councils have not been decided yet.

The council leaders claimed that independent analysis shows annual savings of £34m under the plans.

The group believed having three councils would give Suffolk a stronger voice when a mayor is appointed for Suffolk and Norfolk. An election for that role is set to take place in May 2026.

A joint quote from the Suffolk district and borough leaders said: "People across Suffolk are proud of where they live, and they want decisions made by those who understand their communities.

"The three councils for Suffolk proposal delivers just that. It offers a balance between strong councillors' leadership and genuine local delivery, ensuring that our towns, villages, urban centres and coastlines and the communities and businesses within these areas, all get the attention they deserve."

Richard Rout from Suffolk County Council believed one council was best for Suffolk

Suffolk County Council elections were postponed in 2025 as discussions were underway about the future of the council structure. It was not known yet if they would be held in 2026.

Richard Rout, Suffolk County Council's cabinet member for local government reform, said: "We have been asking the district councils for their proposed council boundaries since March. Given what they've released today, I can see why they've kept them secret for so long. Their proposals are chaotic, confusing, and ultimately unworkable.

Rout said the plans could create a "postcode lottery for care, drive up costs and create boundaries where they don't currently exist."