East Suffolk Council (ESC) is the district authority for Kesgrave and plays a major role in providing services that affect everyday life in our town. Kesgrave Town Council (KTC) works closely with ESC to represent residents, share local insight, and ensure Kesgrave’s needs are understood at district level.
How East Suffolk Council and Kesgrave Town Council fit together
Kesgrave Town Council is the first tier of local government, focused on the immediate needs of the town – community spaces, local events, allotments, play areas, and providing a voice for residents.
East Suffolk Council is the second tier (district level). They are responsible for wider services such as planning decisions, waste and recycling collections, housing, environmental health, parking, community safety, benefits, and council tax administration.
The two councils work together by sharing information, meeting regularly, and ensuring Kesgrave’s local priorities are fed into district-level decisions.
Planning applications – how KTC and ESC work together
Planning applications for Kesgrave are submitted directly to East Suffolk Council, who are the official planning authority. However, Kesgrave Town Council plays an important consultative role.
All applications received by ESC for properties or land in Kesgrave are reviewed at our Planning & Development Committee meetings. These meetings are open to the public, and residents are welcome to attend to share their views.
After discussion, Kesgrave Town Council submits comments and recommendations back to ESC. Although ESC makes the final decision, our input ensures that local knowledge, community impact and resident concerns are fully considered.
Frequently Asked Questions for Kesgrave Residents
How do I find out about or apply for Council Tax?
Council Tax is managed by East Suffolk Council. Information on bills, discounts, single person reductions, or banding queries can be found at East Suffolk Council. KTC cannot access personal tax accounts, but we can signpost you to the correct team.
How do I find out about a planning application?
You can search by postcode or application number on ESC’s Public Access Planning Portal. Kesgrave Town Council also posts applications on our Planning Committee agenda, where residents can attend and give comments that we pass to ESC.
Who is responsible for cutting the grass?
Grass cutting in Kesgrave can be split between East Suffolk Council, Suffolk County Council (highways), and occasionally housing associations. ESC handles most open spaces, parks and general amenity grass. KTC manages specific local areas such as Millennium Sports Ground and certain play spaces.
When are the bins emptied?
Bin collections (refuse, recycling and garden waste) are managed by East Suffolk Services on behalf of ESC. Collection days for Kesgrave can be checked by entering your postcode on the ESC website.
Who empties the dog waste bins?
Dog waste bins in Kesgrave are primarily emptied by East Suffolk Services. Kesgrave Town Council funds additional bins in town and works with ESC to ensure regular emptying.
How do I apply for an extra bin or a garden waste bin?
These services are operated by ESC. Residents can apply online for:
- Additional refuse or recycling bins (charges may apply)
- The brown-bin garden waste subscription service
How do I apply for Housing Benefit?
Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction are processed by ESC. Applications can be filed online, and supporting documents uploaded through their secure portal.
How do I apply for a council house?
Social housing in Kesgrave is allocated through the East Suffolk Housing Register. Residents must apply via "Gateway to Homechoice" which ESC administers, and properties across Kesgrave appear in weekly bidding cycles.
Who do I report fly-tipping or nuisance bonfires to?
Environmental issues—including fly-tipping, smoke nuisance, and persistent bonfires—should be reported to ESC’s Environmental Health team. You can report online or by email, and they investigate based on location, severity and risk.
How do I report anti-social behaviour?
Anti-social behaviour (ASB) can be reported directly to ESC’s Community Safety team. For criminal behaviour or emergencies, residents should always contact Suffolk Police. KTC can support by signposting and by raising concerns with district partners.
Who are my local Councillors?
Kesgrave is represented by Town Councillors (KTC) and District Councillors (ESC). District Councillors represent Kesgrave at ESC meetings, influence district policy, and support residents with ESC-related issues. Their names and contact details are listed on both the ESC and KTC websites.
How do I register to vote?
Voter registration is handled nationally through the Government website, but electoral services for Kesgrave are run by ESC. You can register online in minutes, and ESC confirms your eligibility and polling station.
Where are the polling stations located?
Polling stations in Kesgrave are organised by ESC. Your polling card lists your assigned station, which is usually based on your address. Common locations include the Millennium Jubilee Hall and local schools.
How do I report a broken road sign?
Road signs and highways issues belong to Suffolk County Council, not ESC or KTC. Reports can be made using the Suffolk Highways reporting tool. KTC can provide guidance if residents are unsure which authority covers an issue.
Where can I get help from Citizens Advice?
Citizens Advice Ipswich and Citizens Advice East Suffolk provide support for residents. ESC signposts residents regularly and works with CA on community welfare initiatives. KTC also shares CA information for local support needs.
How do I report a homeless person?
ESC’s Housing Team manages homelessness and rough sleeping support. You can report concerns directly to ESC, and they will assess the situation and offer support where appropriate. In emergencies or out-of-hours, ESC provides a dedicated homelessness number.
ESC Contact Details
General Enquiries: Email: customerservices@eastsuffolk.gov.uk
Waste & Environmental Services: Email: customerservices@eastsuffolkservices.co.uk
Kesgrave Town Council remains committed to working in partnership with East Suffolk Council to support residents, improve services and ensure the needs of our town are always represented.
