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.
