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:
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Western Suffolk: West Suffolk (plus 21 parishes from Mid Suffolk) and Babergh (less 31 parishes).
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Central and Eastern: Mid Suffolk (less 29 parishes) and East Suffolk (less 25 parishes).
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Ipswich and Southern Suffolk: Ipswich (plus 31 parishes from Babergh, 8 parishes from Mid Suffolk, and 25 parishes from East Suffolk).
How to respond
• 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.
