Why it matters: Boundaries are critical to proposals as each proposed unitary authority would need to meet government requirements of at least 500,000 residents, though an unofficial threshold of 250,000-300,000 is believed to exist.
Suffolk County Council say the exact boundaries are essential for its modelling of how key care services would be split between multiple councils, with officials warning that delays could put vulnerable residents at risk.
The big picture: The boundary dispute comes as councils battle over Suffolk's future governance structure, with the county council backing one authority for the entire county while district and borough councils favour three separate unitary authorities.
What's new: In an email sent to leaders of Ipswich Borough Council and the four district councils, seen by this publication, Councillor Richard Rout, the cabinet member for devolution, local government reform and NSIPs, revealed that a member of the public had provided what they believed to be the three-council boundary maps.
The leaked maps show Suffolk would be divided into three unitary authorities, with Ipswich forming the heart of a "Greater Ipswich" unitary alongside Felixstowe, Hadleigh and Kesgrave, and notably not Woodbridge.
What Suffolk County Council is saying: Rout told council leaders: "The exact detail of these boundaries is essential for our modelling for any potential disaggregation (breaking up) of key care, and other, services."
He added: "The longer we proceed without confirmation of these boundaries, the more potential risk there is to service users across Suffolk."
He also expressed his disappointment that the boundaries had not been disclosed, despite the county council requesting access to them since March.
For context: The boundary leak intensifies an already contentious devolution battle that has seen accusations of "power grabs".
Suffolk County Council has consistently argued that one authority would deliver the biggest savings and most sustainable service improvements, while district and borough leaders claim multiple councils would better serve local communities.
It's currently running an aggressive 'One Suffolk' marketing campaign as part of a broader £1.9m devolution plan.
What's next: Council leaders have been asked to respond today, confirming whether the leaked boundaries are correct or to provide accurate boundary details.
The government deadline for final devolution submissions remains 26 September 2025, with new council structures expected to take effect in 2028.
The bottom line: Suffolk County Council's demand for boundary confirmation highlights the practical challenges of splitting services between multiple authorities, while district and borough councils have yet to verify their proposed governance structure.
It cost us ~£19 to produce this article
Our content is free to read thanks to the generous support of Attwells Solicitors , Ellisons Solicitors and Ipswich School
Attwell Solicitors
An award-winning law firm helping property people and SMEs to grow
Ellisons Solicitors
Established for 260 years, Ellisons is a top 200 UK law firm and one of the region’s oldest, most established and fastest growing firms.
Ipswich School
Suffolk's top independent school for the past nine years.One Suffolk campaign 'misleading and dishonest', say district councils
Suffolk's district and borough councils have written to the Government accusing Suffolk County Council of breaching publicity guidelines and using taxpayers' money to fund lobbying activities in support of its One Suffolk devolution proposal. The county council strongly refutes the claims.
Fear of red tape: Why Suffolk's innovation funding is drying up
A sharp drop in Suffolk's innovation funding claims has been blamed on stricter compliance rules that are deterring eligible businesses, Ipswich accountancy firm Ensors has warned.
Salthouse announces £2m waterfront spa and floating sauna
The Salthouse Harbour Hotel plans to open a spa next year as part of a £2 million transformation that includes an expanded restaurant and a wood-fired sauna boat moored on the marina.Stunning Grade II listed building on Tavern Street to become latest phone and vape shop
The Grade II listed building at 30 Tavern Street, which once housed a Victorian pub and a prominent clothing store spanning six decades, is to become the latest mobile phone repair and vape shop to open on Ipswich's high street.Budget concerns mount as Ipswich jobseeker rate exceeds national average
Ipswich's jobseeker rate of 4.3% exceeds the national average of 4.0%, new figures show, with local businesses warning that rising employment costs are already holding back hiring ahead of Chancellor Rachel Reeves's Budget.Attwells Solicitors , Ellisons Solicitors and Ipswich School
Attwell Solicitors
An award-winning law firm helping property people and SMEs to growEllisons Solicitors
Established for 260 years, Ellisons is a top 200 UK law firm and one of the region’s oldest, most established and fastest growing firms.Ipswich School
Suffolk's top independent school for the past nine years.Ipswich solicitors warn marriage automatically cancels wills
Couples planning to marry or who have recently tied the knot are being urged to update their wills, after figures revealed 62% of people in the East of England don't know that marriage automatically cancels existing wills.Ipswich smokers quitting at a slower rate than the rest of the country
The proportion of adults smoking cigarettes in Ipswich was higher than the average across the UK over the past few years, new figures suggest.Ipswich Town Hall to host first ever Christmas Fayre next week
The Town Hall, Corn Exchange and Cornhill will transform into a festive marketplace on Friday, 21 November and Saturday, 22 November, featuring over 60 stalls, Santa's Grotto and live entertainment.Suffolk classic car firm shortlisted for innovation award with schools programme
Bridge Classic Cars' journey from award-winning restorations to creating educational content for children has earned the Suffolk firm recognition at the RAC Historic Awards 2025.PAW Patrol duo to appear at Buttermarket Christmas lights switch-on
Chase and Skye from PAW Patrol will help switch on the Christmas lights at the Buttermarket in Ipswich on Sunday, 16 November, with free activities running from 11:00 to 15:00.Attwells Solicitors , Ellisons Solicitors and Ipswich School
Attwell Solicitors
An award-winning law firm helping property people and SMEs to growEllisons Solicitors
Established for 260 years, Ellisons is a top 200 UK law firm and one of the region’s oldest, most established and fastest growing firms.Ipswich School
Suffolk's top independent school for the past nine years.Two charged after Ipswich and Norwich shoplifting spree uncovered in A11 stop
Two people have been charged with theft from shops in Ipswich and Norwich after police stopped their vehicle on the A11 and found suspected stolen electricals concealed in foil-lined gift bags.Independent councillor launches bid to become Mayor of Norfolk and Suffolk
David Beavan, an independent councillor at East Suffolk Council, has announced he will stand in May's mayoral election, promising to "get stuff done" after being left unimpressed with other candidates.
