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Local government re-organisation consultation - Have your say!

16 December 2025

Local government re-organisation consultation - open until 11 January 2026
This statutory consultation is seeking views on proposals to change how councils are structured across Norfolk and Suffolk. 
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) is asking residents, businesses, and community groups to respond and help inform the assessment of these proposals.
What’s being proposed in Suffolk
Two proposals have been submitted for the future shape of local government in Suffolk. Both were received following the Secretary of State’s invitation to submit unitary proposals and are now open for consultation:
•     One Suffolk Council (single unitary): Suffolk County Council proposes one unitary council covering the entire county—Babergh, East Suffolk, Ipswich, Mid Suffolk, and West Suffolk. You can find more detail and their case for change at: View our Consultation Resources - One Suffolk Council
•     Three Councils for Suffolk (three unitaries): The district and borough councils propose three unitary councils, with modified boundaries by moving specific parishes between areas:
  • Western Suffolk: West Suffolk (plus 21 parishes from Mid Suffolk) and Babergh (less 31 parishes).
  • Central and Eastern: Mid Suffolk (less 29 parishes) and East Suffolk (less 25 parishes).
  • Ipswich and Southern Suffolk: Ipswich (plus 31 parishes from Babergh, 8 parishes from Mid Suffolk, and 25 parishes from East Suffolk).
You can find more detail and their case for change at: Welcome – Three Councils For Suffolk
How to respond
•     To complete the consultation: Visit the MHCLG Citizen Space consultation page to read the proposals and submit your response online: https://consult.communities.gov.uk/local-government-reorganisation/norfolk-suffolk/   
•     Read each proposal
•     What you’ll be asked: The consultation includes questions about each proposal to help the government assess them. You can comment on the strengths, risks, local impacts, and your preference.

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Our shared approach to supporting the village

28 November 2025

The Parish Council has recently joined forces with the Church and the Village Hall Committee through the Community Working Group to address the priorities raised by residents. This marks the beginning of a more coordinated approach between the three groups, who have traditionally worked more independently. By collaborating in this way, we are better positioned to deliver inclusive, practical solutions that reflect the needs and aspirations of our community.
As part of this work, the Community Working Group has created a Combined Village Mission Statement. This mission statement reflects the views and requests shared by the community and sets out how the Church, the Village Hall Committee and the Parish Council will work together for the benefit of the village.
With this mission statement now in place and published the Parish Council believes its important for the community to see how the Vision Statement related and supports the Combined Village Mission Statement.
How it links to our Parish Vision
The Parish Council will use the new mission statement alongside our Vision for the Badwell Ash Parish Community, which sets out our commitment to a thriving, healthy and safe rural environment. Our vision places importance on inclusive spaces, strong local identity, improved connectivity, support for local businesses, protection of green spaces and sensitive development aligned with future needs 
By aligning the Parish Vision with the Combined Village Mission Statement, we can make sure our decisions and actions are guided both by long term goals and by the practical needs identified by residents.
What this means for the community
This joined approach will help us;
  • Plan and deliver projects more effectively
  • Improve communication and transparency
  • Support village groups in a more coordinated way
  • Respond more directly to the priorities raised by residents
  • Encourage greater participation in village life
The Parish Council is committed to working openly and constructively with our partners and with the wider community. The mission statement is an important step forward and we will continue to work with the Community Working Group to turn shared ideas into visible progress across the parish.

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Dec/Jan issue of The Broadsheet

24 November 2025

Keep an eye out for the latest edition of The Broadsheet – it will soon be dropping through your door!
For those who can’t wait, you can read all the latest parish news online right now: 2305 BROADSHEET

Read more on Dec/Jan issue of The Broadsheet

Help Shape EV Charging in Badwell Ash!

6 November 2025

We’re thrilled to share that Badwell Ash has secured central government funding to install a limited number of on-street electric vehicle (EV) charging points around the village.
To make the most of this opportunity, we need your input! Your local knowledge will help us choose locations that are practical, accessible, and beneficial to the whole community.

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New Community Working Group

6 November 2025

We are thrilled to announce that the Community Survey report is complete and ready to be acted on! It is an inspiring read, full of your hopes and ideas for our Parish.
In a momentous step forward, we have formed a Community Working Group with representatives from the Church, the Village Hall, and the Parish Council. This is a historic first, as these three pillars of our community join forces to make your wishes a reality!
Our collective vision is already in motion. We are actively pursuing grant funding for a Multi-Use Games Area and a new, revised planning application to make it a perfect fit for our village. We're also building on the fantastic work of the Village Hall Committee to expand our beloved hall, with plans for a spacious Sports/Function Hall and Cafe/Bar Area with a modern Industrial Kitchen!
This is an exciting time for our community, and we are working hard to bring these wonderful projects to life for everyone to enjoy.
As the projects develop further information will be posted here: Community Development Plan

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Notice of Community Governance Review

26 October 2025

Mid Suffolk Council has commenced a Community Governance Review in all parts of the district. The purpose of the review is to enable councils and residents to consider what changes are needed to parish arrangements for effective future governance. The Council has published its Terms of Reference document for the review and a copy can be viewed from the QR code (below) or on the Council website at: https://www.midsuffolk.gov.uk/community-governance-review

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New Community Self-Help Scheme

24 October 2025

Tags:

New Community Self-Help Scheme to Tidy Up Badwell Ash and Long Thurlow

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Autumn Litter Pick Set for 3rd weekend in November

24 October 2025

Call for Volunteers: Autumn Litter Pick Set for 3rd weekend in November

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Parish Council and Village Hall Committee Liaison Meetings

8 October 2025

We are pleased to announce a new addition to our website designed to enhance transparency and community awareness.
​You can now find a dedicated folder containing the records of all liaison meetings between the Parish Council and the Village Hall Committee:
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These meetings are vital for ensuring close cooperation on shared community resources and planning for the village's future. 
We encourage all residents to review these documents to stay up-to-date on the joint efforts being made to maintain and improve our Village Hall and other community assets.

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