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Devolution and local government reform
Everything you need to know about devolution and local government reform in Suffolk and Norfolk.
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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".by
Oliver 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
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
Ipswich Hospital's departing boss says three councils will put patient care at risk
The boss of the NHS trust that runs Ipswich Hospital has warned that splitting Suffolk into three unitary authorities could fragment healthcare governance and create inconsistent access to services across the county.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
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
News
Independent councillor launches bid to become Mayor of Norfolk and Suffolk
David Beavan, an independent councillor at East Suffolk Council, has announced he will stand in May's mayoral election, promising to "get stuff done" after being left unimpressed with other candidates.byOliver Rouane-Williams
News
Suffolk single unitary plans debated in Parliament ahead of Government consultation
James Cartlidge, MP for South Suffolk, hosted a debate in Parliament on Thursday, 30 October, on Suffolk County Council's proposals for local government reform, as the Government prepares to launch its consultation next month.by
João SantosandOliver Rouane-Williams
News
Residents asked if Ipswich needs new town or parish council
As Suffolk prepares for sweeping local government changes, Ipswich Borough Council is seeking public views on how the town can maintain its civic identity and ensure residents have hyper-local representation when unitary authorities replace existing councils in 2028.byOliver Rouane-Williams
News
Suffolk Business Board backs devolution deal for Norfolk and Suffolk
The Suffolk Business Board has published an open letter endorsing the proposed Mayoral Combined County Authority across Norfolk and Suffolk, arguing it will unlock growth and attract investment to the region.by
Matt Stott
News
Suffolk and Norfolk mayor to receive £1.1bn over 30 years
A newly elected mayor for Suffolk and Norfolk is set to receive £37.4m annually from the government over 30 years, totalling £1.12bn, when Suffolk County Council gives consent to establish a Norfolk and Suffolk Combined County Authority on Thursday.byJoão SantosandOliver Rouane-Williams
News
Ipswich Borough Council backs plan to create new town council ahead of reform
Ipswich Borough Council has unanimously approved proposals to establish a new town council for the borough ahead of local government reorganisation in May 2028.byJoão SantosandOliver Rouane-Williams
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