Why it matters: The Government intends to replace Ipswich Borough Council and Suffolk County Council with unitary councils by 2028. Whether Suffolk gets one unitary authority or three, the area covered by the unitary council that includes Ipswich will be larger than the existing borough, potentially diluting local representation.
The big picture: At its meeting on 24 September, Ipswich Borough Council decided to carry out a Community Governance Review to ensure the town can maintain its civic role, including a mayor, and that Ipswich residents have hyper-local representation in the same way as every other part of Suffolk already has.
The details: The review covers all aspects of community governance arrangements for Ipswich, including whether a new town or parish council should be created and the number of councillors to be elected.
Town and parish councils represent the most local form of government and are made up of elected councillors using a committee-style decision making process, with elections taking place every four years. Depending on their size and structure, they can be responsible for a variety of local services such as cemeteries, public toilets, play areas, allotments and events.
It is unclear at this stage exactly what services could be delivered by an Ipswich town or parish council.
What they're saying: Councillor Neil Macdonald, leader of Ipswich Borough Council, said: "Anyone who lives, works, or has a connection to Ipswich can participate in the Community Governance Review. The consultation is now live on Ipswich Borough Council's website, and people can tell the Council what they think should happen. I'd encourage anyone who is interested in how we shape Ipswich's future together, to take part."
What's next: The first consultation runs from 13 October to 15 December and seeks general views on community governance in Ipswich. The council will hold an in-person consultation event, which will be advertised in due course. A second consultation will take place from 29 January 2026 to 26 March 2026 to consider recommendations developed from the initial feedback.
The bottom line: This consultation represents a critical opportunity for Ipswich residents to influence how their community will be represented after 2028's local government reorganisation, ensuring the town maintains its distinct civic identity within a larger unitary authority structure.
Residents can respond to the consultation at www.ipswich.gov.uk/community-governance-review or call 01473 432000 to request a paper form.
