Babergh agrees to progress plans for three new unitary councils

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.

Babergh’s leader, Cllr John Ward, 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.

“In contrast, Suffolk County Council’s proposal, for a single mega-council covering the whole county, would be remote and out of touch.” 

“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 one-size fits all solution.

“Our emerging evidence shows that by halving the number of councils in Suffolk from six to three, the district and borough councils’ proposal would still deliver savings, still deliver simplicity, but also allow services to be redesigned to best meet the differing and varied needs of our communities across our county.

“This is a once in 50-year opportunity to transform and take a different approach to the delivery of local services. SCC’s One Suffolk doesn’t do this. It is business as usual – just a rebranding of the existing county council with district services added. This is not what LGR is about. We must be bold and innovative to build something new for the future – not just tinker with what we have now.”

Following agreement to the motion at Tuesday’s meeting, further work is now being carried out to refine the final business case and finances, building on the districts and borough proven track record for delivering change while protecting services.

The five councils have already saved more than £330m over the last 10 years by creating two new councils from four, sharing services, innovating and finding new income streams. 

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.