Accessibility help

Let’s Shape the Future of Suffolk Together

Residents invited to share views on how local councils should work in the future

Category:
News

East Suffolk Council, alongside other Suffolk authorities, has launched a countywide consultation inviting residents, businesses, and community groups to share their views on the future of local government in Suffolk.

The consultation, called “Let’s Shape the Future of Suffolk Together”, follows a national initiative to simplify how councils work. The government’s plan would see the current system of county, district, and borough councils replaced by new “Unitary Councils” — single authorities responsible for delivering all local services.

What this means for Suffolk

At present, Suffolk County Council provides services such as roads, public transport, adult and children’s care, and libraries, while district and borough councils — including East Suffolk, Babergh, Mid Suffolk, West Suffolk, and Ipswich Borough Council — handle areas like waste collection, leisure, planning, housing, and community support.

Under the proposed reorganisation, these responsibilities would be brought together under new Unitary Councils, aiming to make services more efficient, joined-up, and responsive to local needs.

Have your say

Your feedback will help shape how local government operates in Suffolk for years to come. Everyone who lives or works in Suffolk is encouraged to take part in the consultation.

Ways to share your views:

The closing date for responses is Friday 25 July 2025.

Why your opinion matters

This consultation is a key opportunity to help shape how future councils deliver services that matter to you - from local parks and planning to transport, education, and care services. The goal is to create a structure that works better for residents, businesses, and communities across Suffolk.

Kesgrave Town Council encourages all residents to take part and make their voices heard in this important discussion about Suffolk’s future.

Aerial view of new red-brick homes and the developing A143 road layout on the edge of Haverhill, showing how Suffolk’s landscape is changing with housing expansion.
New Housing and Road Development on the Edge of Haverhill, Suffolk
Aerial images show the extent of change as new housing and the A143 road layout take shape on the edge of Haverhill — part of the wider transformation shaping Suffolk’s future.