Suffolk to be split into three in major council reform, sources say
The Government wants Suffolk’s six county, district and borough councils to cease to exist
Suffolk is set to be split into three unitary authorities as part of major reforms to how councils work, sources have said.
The Government wants Suffolk’s six county, district and borough councils to cease to exist and be replaced by unitary authorities with more powers.
According to several sources at these councils, the Government has now decided that three unitary authorities would be the chosen model for the county.
The proposal – put forward by the district and borough councils – was rooted in ensuring decision-making remained local.
According to them, some £34 million can be saved each year as part of the reorganisation.
The model was chosen over a different proposal to replace the authories with a single unitary, put forward by Suffolk County Council.
Cllr Richard Rout, who has been leading on the county’s case, warned the three-unitary model would cost more than the current arrangement and lead to cuts in services.
“It is a hugely disappointing decision for our residents, businesses and community organisations,” he said.
“This is a decision based on politics, not on evidence – the Government was terrified of rubbing out the red dots on the map.”