Happiness Club
Proud supporters of free and independent local journalism in Ipswich
Get the book!
Most of us spend our lives in the pursuit of Happiness. If you are among the many who are on that journey, then this book is what you need.
Councils
Reporting on and constructively challenging the councils that govern our town.
🔎
Filter by type
News
Ipswich councillors back 1,000-home plan despite £4.7m school funding row
Ipswich Borough Council has approved plans for up to 1,020 homes at Red House Farm despite Suffolk County Council's formal objection over a £4.7 million shortfall in education funding.by
João Santosand
Oliver Rouane-Williams
News
Suffolk gets £26.8m bus boost but details remain unclear
Suffolk has secured a significant funding increase for its bus network – more than doubling from £11.6 million over the past three years to £26.8 million over the next three. But the county council cannot yet guarantee service continuations, confirm fare reductions, or specify how many electric buses will be purchased.by
Matt Stott
News
Candidates brand 'appalling' mayoral election delay a 'sorry mess' as Labour defends decision
The government has postponed "fast-tracked" elections for a new Suffolk and Norfolk mayor for two years, prompting fury from candidates who have branded the decision "appalling" and a "sorry mess".byOliver Rouane-Williams
News
Suffolk and Norfolk mayoral elections to be delayed by two years
The government is expected to announce today that it will postpone planned elections for a new Suffolk and Norfolk mayor from May 2026 to 2028, marking the second delay to democratic processes in the region this year.byOliver Rouane-Williams
News
Arsonists destroy Chantry Park play tower months after disability-focused upgrade
A suspected arson attack has destroyed a play tower at Chantry Park on Tuesday night, just three months after the council opened the upgraded facility.byOliver Rouane-Williams
Opinion
How councils are innovating to deliver more solar
Mid Suffolk District Council leader Andy Mellen argues that when it comes to solar energy, the principle should be simple: rooftops before rural.News
New benches in Ipswich parks offer lifeline to those struggling with mental health
Two specially designed benches now sit in Bourne and Chantry Parks, each equipped with solar-powered QR codes that provide 24-hour access to mental health support services for anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts.byOliver Rouane-Williams
News
Council leaders clash (again) over financial projections in Suffolk reorganisation debate
District and borough council leaders backing a three-council proposal for Suffolk have, again, accused the county council of misleading the public over the financial impact of their One Suffolk plan, claiming detailed analysis shows it would cost an extra £81.8m over five years rather than delivering promised savings.byOliver Rouane-Williams
News
Suffolk County Council launches consultation on Princes Street cycle path plans
Residents and businesses have until 22 December to share their views on proposals for a segregated two-way cycle path along Princes Street, connecting Ipswich railway station to the town centre.byOliver Rouane-Williams
News
Government launches consultation on Suffolk council reorganisation
Suffolk residents have until 11 January 2026 to have their say on proposals that could see the county's six councils replaced by either one or three unitary authorities.byOliver Rouane-Williams
News
Suffolk traffic hits record high despite £12m cycling push
Suffolk County Council has spent more than £12 million on walking and cycling infrastructure over the past five years, yet traffic on the county's roads has hit an all-time high – more than any year since records began in 1993.byMatt Stott
News
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.byOliver Rouane-Williams
Today's supporter
Happiness Club
Drawing from her personal transformation journey, Samantha offers evidence-based coaching and holistic wellness services that address our community's growing mental health challenges.
With mounting pressures from the cost of living crisis and post-pandemic stress affecting many Ipswich residents, Samantha's work focuses on practical tools for building resilience and joy in everyday life.
Through one-to-one coaching, workshops, and workplace wellbeing programs, she helps individuals and organisations develop sustainable happiness practices.
