Local Government Re-organisation in Suffolk – Government Decision

On 25th March 2026, the Government issued a Written Ministerial Statement confirming its decisions regarding Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in Suffolk. You can read the letter in full here LGR decision letter to leaders March 2026

The Government has confirmed that there will be three councils for Suffolk under the re-organisation of local authorities. This will replace the current 2 tier organisation of County and District councils, with unitary authorities that will provide all services in their area.

What will three councils mean?

Under the plans, all services will be provided by each council – including bin collection and waste disposal, planning, social care, highways, libraries and housing.

The new councils will replace the county council and five district councils of Barbergh, East Suffolk, Ipswich, Mid Suffolk and West Suffolk.

The names and exact boundaries of the new councils have yet to be decided, but the county will be roughly split into: East, West and Greater Ipswich.

Each authority will cover a population of about 250,000 and have about 60 councilors.

Election for shadow authorities will take place in May 2027, with the new councils formally taking over responsibilities from May 2028.