Plans to merge Suffolk’s six councils into one are a step closer

Suffolk County Council cabinet members have approved the One Suffolk proposal during a meeting.

Author: Ellie RobsonPublished 17th Sep 2025

The One Suffolk proposal for a single unitary authority was approved by Suffolk County Council on Tuesday (16 September).

The proposal would see £39.4 million saved each year and reinvested in key frontline services – while three unitary councils would cost £145.3 million more than the current system 

One Suffolk proposes scrapping Suffolk’s current six councils and replacing them with a single new council.

This comes in response to the government’s drive for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) across the country.

Cabinet members voted in favour of the proposal, which paves the way for the final business case to be submitted to government by 26 September 2025.

The proposal was also considered by all county councillors.

One Suffolk also proposes harmonising council tax to the lowest level across Suffolk. Based on current levels this would result in Band D properties seeing a reduction of £245 in Ipswich, £17 in East Suffolk, £29 in West Suffolk, £19 in Babergh and a freeze in Mid Suffolk. 

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