On Monday 16 December 2024, the Government published its English Devolution White Paper, presenting a vision for all areas of England to benefit from greater decision-making powers, devolved from central government to the regions.
This would be achieved through the creation of new regional authorities and the reorganisation of local government.
In March 2026, it was announced that the restructure of local government in Suffolk would see the creation of three brand new unitary authorities, delivering all services in place of the county council and five district and borough authorities.
These new authorities will cover western Suffolk, central & eastern Suffolk and Ipswich & southern Suffolk - and each will deliver all services in their area, ending the ‘two tier’ structure currently in place.
Announcing the decision, a written statement was presented to Parliament by the Secretary of State: Written statements - Written questions, answers and statements - UK Parliament.
This was followed by a letter to all Council Leaders in Suffolk, outlining reasons for the decision: Local government reorganisation: decision letter to Suffolk council leaders.
The Government has also published their analysis of the responses they received to the consultation, which sought views on the different submissions in Suffolk and Norfolk: Summary and analysis of consultation responses Norfolk and Suffolk.
The new councils will begin operations in April 2028 and, ahead of this, elections next year will establish ‘shadow authorities’ for each to lead and oversee the transition.