Why it matters: Opposition leaders argue that a single unitary council would reduce local representation and fail to address the distinct needs of different Suffolk communities.
Driving the news: On 12 February, Ipswich Borough Council unanimously voted in favour of three unitary councils – Greater Ipswich, East Suffolk and West Suffolk – in what the council described as a "landmark show of unity" between Labour, Conservative, and Liberal Democrat councillors.
But yesterday, Suffolk County Council announced opposing plans to submit a proposal for one unitary authority to replace the current six councils, claiming it would make services "simpler, cheaper and quicker."
What they're saying: "We are disappointed but not surprised that the county council administration are proposing a single unitary council for Suffolk before the business case has even been written," said Councillor Andrew Stringer, Suffolk Green, Liberal Democrat and Independent Group Leader.
Stringer warned that "a single unitary council for Suffolk could well take decision-making further away from communities, as it will lead to larger electoral divisions and decisions being made centrally for the whole county."
Councillor Neil MacDonald, Leader of Ipswich Borough Council, echoed these concerns: "Suffolk County Council's proposal for a single unitary council for Suffolk fails to acknowledge Ipswich's unique needs. Our town and its surrounding communities deserve a council that truly understands and champions them."
Between the lines: The Greens questioned the economic benefits of a single authority, with Stringer noting: "Many councils that have unitarised have spent millions on doing so and many are yet to see a penny of savings or services improve."
The bottom line: Opposition groups have vowed to challenge the county's proposal, with Stringer declaring: "We will fight for keeping the 'local' in local democracy every step of the way."
