Why it matters: The five district and borough councils say a single "mega-council" covering a vast geographical area could not focus on the competing needs of three-quarters of a million people as effectively as multiple unitary authorities.
What's driving the news: Suffolk County Council supports creating a single unitary authority covering the entire county, but this has been unanimously rejected by the five district and borough councils it would replace.
The details: Babergh District Council, East Suffolk Council, Ipswich Borough Council, Mid Suffolk District Council, and West Suffolk Council have each approved the report following a series of meetings where councillors examined and shaped the proposals.
In a joint statement, the council leaders said: "Multiple unitary authorities will produce services designed with residents in mind to meet local needs, drive improved outcomes, create value and save money in a sustainable way."
"Our joint proposal demonstrates that a one-size-fits-all mega authority will not solve the existing issue of large countywide services that will continue to drain money, require improvement, and potentially lead to further cost cutting."
By the numbers: The interim report claims multiple unitary authorities will provide:
Cost-effective and high-quality services for Suffolk residents
Long-term financial sustainability
Economic growth and support to local industry
Stronger democratic representation and community engagement
Governance systems which can adapt to future growth
Structures to support thriving communities and economies
The bigger picture: The councils argue their approach would support "a more balanced solution for the governance of the Mayoral Combined Authority" being set up next year for Norfolk and Suffolk.
What they're saying: "This is a generational change to the way local government and services are delivered and something we should seize," the council leaders stated. "It is a real opportunity to think holistically about how services such as leisure, housing and social care could help residents to thrive."
What's next: The interim report does not constitute a final decision. Councils will have further time to develop options to redesign local government, with community views "at the heart of this work."
The bottom line: "Our collective solution is the best way to deliver great services and value for money. It makes sure the 'local' stays in Local Government for Suffolk," the council leaders concluded.
Our content is free to read thanks to the generous support of ICS, Ipswich School and Kingsfleet
ICS
Founded in 1998, ICS has been the trusted IT partner to businesses across Ipswich and Suffolk for over a quarter of a century.
Suffolk's top independent school for the past nine years
Join us at our September open event for a unique opportunity to explore what makes Ipswich School extraordinary!
Spend your time and money as you wish
Award winning, independent financial planners helping the people of Suffolk reach their financial objectives.Ipswich to get enhanced bus services as Suffolk launches biggest expansion since 1998
Ipswich and the surrounding communities will get new and improved bus routes from late August, funded by a £2.8m government grant.
Suffolk Chamber slams Government as Suffolk snubbed in £92bn transport investment
In a blow to the Chamber and our region, the Ely/Haughley junction improvements have been excluded from transport upgrades announced today, despite the Government backing over 50 road and rail schemes across England worth £92 billion.Young creatives invited to design custom trainers in Ipswich
Professional sneaker artist Starline Customs and visual artist Benny Brown will mentor participants through creating their own unique footwear designs this month. Tickets are expected to sell fast so book while you can.Talking therapy referrals drop in Ipswich and East Suffolk
NHS talking therapy referrals in Ipswich and East Suffolk fell to 1,015 in April, down from 1,220 the previous year, new NHS figures show.'Ipswich Hospital powered by dead puppies' claim activists at protest
Twenty activists targeted a waste facility next to Ipswich Hospital on Friday, claiming that energy generated from burning dead dogs used for medical research at MBR Acres in Cambridgeshire is being used to heat the hospital.ICS, Ipswich School and Kingsfleet
ICS
Founded in 1998, ICS has been the trusted IT partner to businesses across Ipswich and Suffolk for over a quarter of a century.Suffolk's top independent school for the past nine years
Join us at our September open event for a unique opportunity to explore what makes Ipswich School extraordinary!Spend your time and money as you wish
Award winning, independent financial planners helping the people of Suffolk reach their financial objectives.Suffolk firms demand no more tax rises as government faces budget hole
Local businesses are calling for a freeze on business taxes, with 74% of Suffolk firms worried about tax levels following recent National Insurance increases. It comes after government welfare concessions scrapped £5bn in planned savings, raising concerns that Autumn's budget will bring further tax rises.Local law firm Attwells ranked 22nd in national apprenticeship league
Attwells Solicitors has been named the highest-rated law firm in England's Top 50 SME Apprenticeship Employers for 2025, taking 22nd place overall.Buttermarket unveils 'Chatty Bench' to tackle loneliness
The Buttermarket has installed the "Chatty Bench" after security staff noticed people sitting alone for hours and began offering friendly conversations to combat loneliness.Rapping reverend drops debut album addressing youth trauma
An Ipswich priest who performs under the name Hybrid has released a hip-hop album designed to open conversations about difficult topics affecting local young people.Four men charged after 'significant amount' of cocaine and cannabis seized during drug warrants
Four men, including three from Ipswich and Great Blakenham, have been charged with drugs offences following police warrants in Ipswich that uncovered large quantities of suspected cocaine and cannabis last Tuesday.ICS, Ipswich School and Kingsfleet
ICS
Founded in 1998, ICS has been the trusted IT partner to businesses across Ipswich and Suffolk for over a quarter of a century.Suffolk's top independent school for the past nine years
Join us at our September open event for a unique opportunity to explore what makes Ipswich School extraordinary!Spend your time and money as you wish
Award winning, independent financial planners helping the people of Suffolk reach their financial objectives.Ipswich man given suspended sentence for arson and stalking
A 62-year-old man from Ipswich has been handed an 18-month suspended sentence after pleading guilty to arson and stalking offences at Ipswich Crown Court.Major local employers unite behind Northern Bypass in bid to end Ipswich's traffic 'stalemate'
Nine major employers have broken their silence on the town's transport crisis, declaring the current situation "simply not acceptable" for a region of such economic significance as they unite behind an Ipswich Northern Bypass bid.
