Suffolk council reform delayed to 2028 but could still split into three

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 29 Oct, 16:01 · Archive

The government has set May 2028 election dates for new councils in Suffolk as it continues to consider whether to split the county into three unitary authorities.

Elections for new councils in Suffolk have been set for May 2028 as the government continues its local government reorganisation programme. Jim McMahon, the local government minister, told the Commons that Labour remained committed to reform. The government suspended its original plans in September to review them, following Suffolk County Council's attempt to halt the shake-up with a judicial review. The government did not contest the council's legal challenge.

The original proposal was to replace Suffolk's county, district and borough councils with three unitary authorities with more powers. However, business cases submitted before the review suggest an alternative: a single unitary authority covering the entire county. Mr McMahon said the government would keep an 'open mind' and stressed it 'should not be assumed that the same proposal will be automatically selected'.

Cllr Michael Hadwen, the county council's leader, said he welcomed the government's position to engage with the authority on Suffolk's future but remained cautious about reform. 'I am keeping our options open regarding whether LGR is a good thing for Suffolk and, if so, what deal is the right one,' he said. The government has confirmed that five counties will have their local government reorganisation plans finalised, with all regions in England to receive final decisions by next year.

Suffolk council reform delayed to 2028 but could still split into three — Image: East Anglian Daily Times

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Suffolk council shake-up delayed to 2028 but county could still be split into threeThe government has confirmed the next steps for local government reform and set election dates for Suffolk in May 2028.East Anglian Daily Times · 29 Oct, 15:25
Suffolk council shake-up delayed to 2028 but county could still be split into threeThe government has confirmed the next steps for local government reform and set election dates for Suffolk in May 2028.Ipswich Star · 29 Oct, 15:25

In this story: Jim McMahon · Michael Hadwen · Suffolk · Suffolk County Council

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