Suffolk County Council (SCC) is the upper-tier local authority responsible for major county-wide services that directly affect life in Kesgrave. Kesgrave Town Council (KTC) works closely with SCC to ensure that local concerns, safety issues and community needs are understood and communicated to the County level. While SCC handles strategic services such as highways, education, social care, libraries and public transport, KTC provides local insight, supports residents with signposting, and raises Kesgrave-specific issues with officers and County Councillors.
How Suffolk County Council fits into local government
Local government in Kesgrave operates across three tiers:
- Kesgrave Town Council (KTC) – the first tier, focused on the local community, open spaces, events, and representing residents.
- East Suffolk Council (ESC) – the district authority, handling housing, waste, planning decisions, benefits and environmental services.
- Suffolk County Council (SCC) – the County authority, delivering major services such as highways, schools, public health, social care, libraries and transport.
The three authorities cooperate, and KTC acts as an important voice for Kesgrave within this structure. SCC officers and Kesgrave’s County Councillor regularly work with the Town Council on highways matters, education issues, social care queries and access to services.
Highways, roads and footpaths – how SCC and KTC work together
SCC is the statutory highways authority for Suffolk. They manage roads, pavements, street lighting, drainage, road safety and gritting. Kesgrave Town Council does not have direct control over highways, but we regularly raise issues with Suffolk Highways and work closely with our County Councillor to ensure that problems affecting residents are logged, prioritised and monitored.
KTC also supports residents by guiding them to the correct reporting tools and ensuring local concerns are passed on to SCC where needed.
Frequently Asked Questions for Kesgrave Residents
Where do I report a pothole in the road?
Potholes, damaged pavements, worn lines and other road defects are the responsibility of Suffolk Highways. Reports should be made through the SCC Highways Reporting Tool. KTC can escalate persistent issues through local County Councillor channels.
How do I find out about roadworks or road closures?
SCC publishes all planned and emergency roadworks on its online map. This includes resurfacing, utility works, closures and diversion routes affecting Kesgrave.
Who do I contact to apply for a Blue Badge?
Blue Badges are issued by SCC. Residents can apply online, upload supporting evidence, and track their application through SCC’s Blue Badge Portal.
Where can I find bus timetable and service information?
Public transport information—including Kesgrave bus routes, timetables and real-time updates—is provided by SCC’s Passenger Transport Team. Operators such as First and Ipswich Buses also publish schedules, but SCC manages the overall information network.
Who is responsible for information boards at bus stops?
Bus stop timetable cases and information boards are generally maintained by SCC’s Passenger Transport Team. Faulty or missing information can be reported directly to SCC.
How do I find out which roads are being gritted, and where grit bins are located?
Gritting routes are set by SCC and published on their winter maintenance map. It shows primary routes, secondary routes and grit bin locations across Kesgrave. Grit bins are refilled by SCC, although KTC may report empty bins to ensure timely top-ups.
Where do I report flooding?
Road flooding, blocked drains and water pooling on highways are handled by Suffolk Highways. Surface water reports can be logged via the Highways Reporting Tool. Internal property flooding should be reported to the Environment Agency if river-related, or ESC if environmental health / domestic safety is affected.
How do I register to vote?
Voter registration is done nationally on the Government website, but electoral services for Kesgrave are administered through East Suffolk Council. SCC does not manage voter registration but shares election roles, such as providing safe polling access at schools or public buildings.
How do I find out about applying for a school place?
SCC is responsible for school admissions for all Suffolk schools, including Kesgrave’s primary schools and Kesgrave High School. Applications for Reception, Year 7 and in-year transfers must be made via SCC’s Admissions Portal.
How do I find school term dates?
SCC publishes school term dates, PD days (non-pupil days) and holiday schedules for all Suffolk maintained schools. Academies may vary slightly, but most follow SCC’s calendar.
How do I apply for a dropped kerb?
Dropped kerb applications (vehicle access crossings) must be made to Suffolk Highways. SCC conducts an inspection and grants permission before any work begins. Approved contractors must be used for safety reasons.
How do I find out who my County Councillor is?
Kesgrave is represented by an elected County Councillor who sits on Suffolk County Council. SCC’s website includes a postcode lookup tool to identify your representative and their contact details. KTC also signposts this information for residents.
How do I find out about social care for a relative?
Adult Social Care and Children's Services are major SCC responsibilities. Residents can contact SCC’s Social Care Customer First team for assessments, safeguarding concerns, carer support or early help services.
How do I book a slot at the local recycling centre?
Recycling centres in Suffolk (such as Foxhall Recycling Centre near Kesgrave) are managed by SCC. Visitors must book a timed slot online to reduce congestion and ensure safety.
Who do I report a broken streetlight to?
Most streetlights in Kesgrave are owned and maintained by Suffolk County Council. Faulty lights (such as “out”, flickering, damaged columns) can be reported through the SCC Streetlighting Reporting Tool. KTC maintains a small number of community-owned lights and will forward queries where appropriate.
How do I report overhanging trees on footpaths or highways?
Overhanging vegetation affecting pavements, footpaths or roads should be reported to Suffolk Highways. SCC will assess whether the responsibility lies with a landowner or requires County action. KTC often alerts SCC to problem areas raised by residents.
Where are the local libraries and what are the opening hours?
Public libraries—including Kesgrave Library—are operated by Suffolk Libraries on behalf of SCC. Opening hours, events and borrowing services are available on the Suffolk Libraries website. Kesgrave Library also works closely with KTC on community projects and shared events.
Where do I get information about the Police?
Policing in Kesgrave is delivered by Suffolk Constabulary. SCC does not run the police, but they work in partnership through the Safer Suffolk and community safety networks. Residents can find neighbourhood policing information, local priorities and reporting options via Suffolk Police’s official website.
SCC Contact Details
General Enquiries: customerservices@suffolk.gov.uk
Highways & Transport: Via the Suffolk Highways online reporting tool.
Kesgrave Town Council will continue working closely with Suffolk County Council on highways matters, education needs, social care queries and community services to ensure the best outcomes for residents.
