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Organisation
Description
Ipswich Borough Council is the local authority for Ipswich, Suffolk.
Suffolk County Council is the administrative authority for the county of Suffolk
In the news
Hawthorn Drive in line for regeneration cash as Towns Fund evolves
Hawthorn Drive Shopping Parade is set to benefit from government regeneration funding as Ipswich Borough Council continues to deploy its allocation under a revamped and more flexible funding scheme.News
Anglia Retail Park to get 24 new EV chargers
Anglia Retail Park is set to nearly triple its electric vehicle charging capacity, with 24 new chargers to be installed alongside the Lidl store.News
New railings, lighting and planting planned for key Ipswich town centre gateway
Ipswich Borough Council has confirmed that works to replace railings, upgrade lighting and replant green spaces along St Matthews Street and Civic Drive will begin in April.News
Suffolk New College applies to open adult learning centre at Grimwades
A planning application has been submitted to transform the unused first floor of the former Grimwades building on Ipswich's Cornhill into an adult education suite, with the first students expected this September.News
Abuse of lollipop officers prompts Suffolk road safety crackdown
A new campaign reminding motorists of their legal duty to stop for school crossing patrol officers has launched across Suffolk, following a series of incidents in which patrol officers were verbally abused.News
New 420-pupil primary school approved for Henley Gate
A new two-storey primary school has been given the final go-ahead in North Ipswich, as part of the growing Henley Gate Neighbourhood development.News
Suffolk arts fund backs 37 projects with half a million pound boost
Suffolk County Council has awarded £500,000 to 37 arts and community projects across the county, including a new hip-hop and film programme for at-risk young people in Ipswich.News
Northgate High School bids to keep intervention centre until 2031
Suffolk County Council is considering plans to extend planning permission for an intervention centre at Northgate High School in Ipswich, which the school says is vital to supporting its most vulnerable pupils.News
26 new council homes open on former industrial site in Ipswich
Ipswich Borough Council has taken possession of 26 new affordable homes on Hawke Road, built on the former Diesco site by the council's own housebuilding company, Handford Homes, and Gipping Construction.News
Secondary school offers are out, but what do you do if you missed out?
Suffolk families have received their secondary school offers today, with places now confirmed for September 2026 — but not every child has secured their first choice.News
Council to spend £17m on improving Ipswich council homes
Ipswich Borough Council has announced plans to invest £17m in planned maintenance of its council homes in 2026/27, with work covering safety, decency and energy efficiency improvements across its 7,934 properties.News
Green route from town centre to waterfront takes shape as work reaches Queen Street
Work on Ipswich's stripped-back Town Centre Greening project has reached Queen Street, with the council confirming that works are now underway on the latest stretch of the scheme.News
Suffolk County Council approves plan for two joint chief executives
Suffolk County Council has approved plans to appoint two joint chief executives to lead the authority through local government reorganisation, following the departure of current chief executive Nicola Beach at the end of March.News
Lovisa opening marks second tenant for revived Grimwades building
Global fashion jewellery brand Lovisa has opened in the former Grimwades building on the Cornhill, becoming the second ground-floor tenant in the landmark property that sat empty for over a decade before the council acquired the building using Towns Fund money.News
Council approves £38m aquatics centre plan
Ipswich Borough Council has approved a £38 million aquatics centre as part of its £70 million four-year capital programme – but questions are already being raised about whether it will ever be built.News
Is Ipswich Borough Council being ambitious or reckless with your money?
Councillors have signed off a 2.99% council tax rise and £70m in town centre investment, but with the authority set to be abolished by 2028, opposition groups are questioning whether the promises can ever be delivered.News
Christchurch Mansion to host wedding fayre in May
Christchurch Mansion will host a wedding fayre on Sunday, 3 May, showcasing local wedding businesses at the historic Tudor venue.News
Council planting 1,250 trees across Ipswich this week
Ipswich Borough Council will plant 1,250 native trees across the town during Ipswich Loves Trees Week, which runs from Friday, 14 February to Thursday, 20 February.News
Council backs masterplan for South Ravenswood homes despite traffic concerns
Ipswich Borough Council has unanimously approved the development of a masterplan for five plots of land south of Ravenswood, acknowledging traffic issues in the area whilst pushing ahead with plans that could deliver new homes and commercial space.News
Government U-turns on council election delays after legal challenge
All local elections in Suffolk will now go ahead in May after the government withdrew its decision to postpone 30 council elections across England following legal advice and a legal challenge from Reform.News
Suffolk County Council to bet on two CEOs to tackle reorganisation challenge
Following the announcement that current CEO Nicola Beach is stepping down, and with the clock ticking on local government reorganisation and devolution, Suffolk County Council is betting on a joint chief executive model to navigate the "unprecedented challenges".News
Suffolk County Council approves maximum 4.99% council tax rise in 'best out of a bad job' budget
Suffolk County Council has approved a 4.99 per cent council tax increase, raising Band D bills by £82.26 to £1,731.69, after rejecting a Reform UK proposal for a smaller rise that was dismissed as flawed and lacking detail.News
Reform councillor's county council tax cut plan branded 'rubbish' and 'dangerous' by rivals
Opposition leaders have condemned a Reform UK councillor's alternative budget proposal as lacking substance and detail, with critics questioning how he would fund a lower council tax rise through unspecified job cuts and sick leave reductions.News
Work begins on long-awaited, stripped-back Town Centre Greening project
Work has started on Ipswich Borough Council's Town Centre Greening project, which will introduce trees and planting across four streets between the town centre and waterfront.News
Council criticised over 'closed doors' £560k regeneration grant for Grimwades adult learning centre
Ipswich Borough Council's decision to award a £560,000 town centre regeneration grant to turn the first floor of the Grimwades building into an adult learning centre has been criticised as a "deal done behind closed doors" that denied other potential uses from being considered.News
Council approves cremator replacement at Ipswich Crematorium
Ipswich Borough Council has given the go-ahead to replace two gas cremators at Ipswich Crematorium and carry out major refurbishment works to the building.News
Mystery tenant to bring empty Ipswich building back to life with £560k council investment
An undisclosed tenant will bring an empty town centre building back into use after the council agreed to invest £560,000 in the property, though details about both the building's location and the nature of the project have been kept confidential.News
Suffolk's £150m SEND debt write-off welcomed but concerns remain
Suffolk County Council says the Government's decision to cancel 90 per cent of its £168 million special needs funding gap will make a real difference, but warns it does not remove financial pressure completely as the deficit continues to grow.News
Council to decide on South Ravenswood masterplan
Ipswich Borough Council's Executive will consider developing a masterplan for land south of Ravenswood on Tuesday, 10 February, which aims to unlock new growth, investment and high-quality development in the south-east area of the town.News
Ipswich launches first street performers showcase with applications now open
Ipswich Borough Council is calling on street performers of all kinds to apply for the town's first-ever Street Performers Showcase, taking place on Saturday, 4 April 2026, with applications open until 6 March 2026.News
Suffolk County Council chief executive to step down after eight years
Nicola Beach announced on Friday her decision to leave Suffolk County Council at the end of March 2026 after eight years as chief executive, citing local government reorganisation as the right time to hand over leadership.News
Council to consider new cremators and major refurbishment at Ipswich Crematorium
Ipswich Borough Council's Executive will consider significant investment in replacing life-expired cremators and modernising facilities at Ipswich Crematorium when they meet on Tuesday, 10 February.News
Rough sleeping up 38% as council seeks new contracts to tackle 'most harmful form of homelessness'
Ipswich has seen a 38% rise in people sleeping rough each month compared to last year, prompting the council to procure new specialist services aimed at ending rough sleeping in the town.News
Three Ipswich charities to be awarded £72,000 in council grants
Ipswich Borough Council is set to approve £72,000 in Community Cash Grants to three voluntary organisations supporting vulnerable residents, homelessness services and advice provision across the town.News
Ipswich Borough Council to pledge £70m town centre investment and 'lowest' tax rise
Ipswich Borough Council will propose more than £70 million investment in the town centre over four years in its Medium Term Financial Plan and Budget later today, while keeping its council tax increase to 2.98% – the lowest of the three authorities collecting tax in the borough.News
Suffolk seeks new business leaders to join economic growth board
Suffolk County Council is inviting applications from experienced local business people to join the Suffolk Business Board, with expressions of interest due by Monday, 23 February.News
Waterfront attraction secures £2.28m Towns Fund grant
CLAY 1A, a new visitor attraction planned for Ipswich's waterfront, has been granted £2.28m from the Towns Fund alongside a £20m philanthropic gift to transform the historic Waterfront House into a creative community space.News
Sizewell B seeks £800m extension to secure around 600 jobs to 2055
EDF Energy announced it is seeking government backing for an £800m investment to extend Sizewell B's operations by 20 years beyond its planned 2035 closure, that would secure around 600 permanent jobs in Suffolk until 2055.News
Suffolk elections: Democracy deferred or democracy cancelled?
When the Government confirmed on 22 January that Suffolk's local elections would not go ahead in May, it marked the end of a contentious political battle that exposed deep divisions between councils, within parties, and across communities about what democracy means in the midst of local government reform.Feature
Police and council launch joint patrols in Norwich Road area
Officers from Ipswich Central Police and Ipswich Borough Council parking enforcement teams are conducting daily joint patrols in the Norwich Road area for a two-week period in January.News
Sizewell C plans Ransomes Europark bus depot with up to 400 jobs
Sizewell C has revealed plans for a bus depot in Ipswich that would create up to 400 jobs maintaining a fleet of about 150 zero-emission buses for workers travelling to the £38 billion nuclear power station under construction near Leiston.News
Suffolk's local elections officially cancelled by Government
Local elections in Suffolk have been officially cancelled by the Government – a decision that is likely to prove highly contentious amongst residents.News
Council defers Ipswich tourism tax decision to 2028
Ipswich Borough Council will not take a position on a potential hotel tax, saying the decision should be left to the Norfolk-Suffolk combined authority mayor who will be elected in 2028.News
Crown Street Car Park now open 24 hours a day
Ipswich Borough Council has made Crown Street Car Park permanently available round the clock following a successful trial, aiming to support the town's night-time economy and provide greater flexibility for visitors.News
More than £2m could be lost on stalled school project at former Co-op building
New financial disclosures show that nearly £2 million of public money is at stake in the stalled Central Ipswich Free School project, which the government proposed cancelling last month, with Suffolk County Council seeking the return of its £752,000 contribution if the decision is confirmed.News
Ipswich Thrive: Business Festival expands to over 30 events
Entrepreneurs, start-ups and established businesses can access more than 30 free workshops, networking sessions and expert masterclasses this March when Ipswich Thrive business festival returns, doubling in scale after last year's successful debut.News
New inclusive play area coming to Murray Road with wheelchair-accessible equipment
Families with children of all abilities will gain access to inclusive play equipment at Murray Road Recreation Ground this spring, featuring wheelchair-accessible carousels, braille learning panels, and communication boards designed for children who have difficulty speaking.News
Northgate athletics track to get new life with £350,000 investment
The 26-year-old athletics track used by around 20,000 runners each year will be resurfaced next summer as part of a £350,000 investment by Suffolk County Council, with Northgate High School taking over day-to-day operations from April 2026.News
Council rents to rise by 4.8% from April
Ipswich Borough Council has approved a 4.8% increase to council housing rents from 1 April 2026, adding an average of £5.07 per week to social housing rents.News
Conservative councillors told how to vote on local election delays
Conservative councillors at Suffolk County Council were instructed by their party whip to vote down an amendment supporting local elections going ahead in May, with one admitting he could have broken ranks but chose to be a "team player" instead.News
Year 5 pupils leave council chiefs 'in awe' at annual health report launch
For the first time in Suffolk County Council's history, young people didn't just contribute to its Annual Public Health Report – they led it. On Thursday morning at Portman Road, the council launched "Youth Social Action is Public Health," a document that marks a fundamental shift from doing public health to young people, to doing it with them.News
Suffolk County Council demands government corrects 'flawed' red road maintenance rating
Suffolk County Council is calling on the Department for Transport to correct a red rating it says wrongly labels the authority among the worst performers in England, after officials failed to include £10 million of early highway investment in their assessment.News
Ipswich council to spend more than £600,000 on bins and bags
Ipswich Borough Council has agreed to spend more than £600,000 on bins and bags over the next three years to fulfil its statutory duty to deliver waste collections across the borough.News
Ipswich Borough Council to formally request postponement of May elections
Ipswich Borough Council voted on Tuesday, 14 January, to request that the government postpone its May 2026 elections, citing concerns about capacity to deliver local government reorganisation.News
From 'exciting options' to open sale: Council changes course on former Crown Court
Less than four months after promising "exciting options" for the former Crown Court, Ipswich Borough Council has opted to put the building up for sale.News
Suffolk County Council accused of 'autocratic approach' over election delay stance
Opposition councillors have condemned Suffolk County Council for refusing to publicly support May's elections going ahead, accusing them of giving the government the "green light" to postpone democracy for a second time.News
Suffolk Highways disputes government rating as one of worst councils in England for road maintenance
Suffolk County Council has been given a red rating in the Government's new traffic light system, which assesses how effectively local authorities fix potholes and maintain roads, placing it among the 13 worst-performing areas in the country.News
Council to advertise £1.7m contract for theatre alcohol sales
Ipswich Borough Council leaders will seek approval on Tuesday to advertise a new three-year contract to sell alcoholic drinks at Ipswich Corn Exchange and Regent Theatre, valued at just over £1.7m.News
Augmented reality binoculars bringing Ipswich's Victorian past to life unveiled
Six free-to-use augmented reality binoculars have been installed at historic locations across Ipswich, allowing residents and visitors to experience Victorian street scenes complete with gas-lit streets, bustling markets and working docks.News
Suffolk praised for SEND progress but warned too many families 'yet to feel the benefit'
The partnership responsible for SEND services in Suffolk has been acknowledged for making important improvements by the Department for Education, but warned it must translate activity into measurable impact for families who still experience frustration with statutory processes and communication.News
'Scandalous' if public money lost on lido, says trust chairman
The chairman of Broomhill Pool Trust has described the potential loss of investment in the Grade II listed lido as "scandalous", as the project faces a critical deadline to start construction before planning permission expires in December 2027.News
Local MP urges PM to proceed with 2026 elections ahead of extraordinary council meeting
North Ipswich & Central Suffolk MP Patrick Spencer has written to the Prime Minister, urging him to ensure local elections proceed in May 2026, citing a petition on his website that received 587 signatures in just over four weeks.News
Nine days left to apply for primary school places in Suffolk
Parents and carers in Ipswich and across Suffolk have nine days left to apply for primary school places for September 2026, with demand remaining high across the county ahead of the Thursday, 15 January, deadline.News
Opposition says new 20mph policy is 'missed opportunity' as road deaths rise
Suffolk County Council's proposed 20mph speed limit policy has been criticised by opposition councillors as a "cosmetic" change that fails to address rising road casualties, with deaths and serious injuries increasing from 207 to 355 over the past decade.News
Hotel operator waits in the wings as council weighs Great White Horse grant bid
A major hotel operator is waiting to commit substantial funds to restore the former Great White Horse Hotel, pending Ipswich Borough Council's decision on a Towns Fund grant application from the building's owners.News
Suffolk County Council proposes maximum possible council tax rises
Suffolk County Council has published its £850 million budget proposal for 2026/27, which includes the maximum 4.99% council tax increase, adding up to £165 to household bills from April.News
Applications open for £1.5m fund to improve Ipswich community buildings and cultural venues
Organisations across Ipswich have until 5pm on Friday, 27 February 2026, to apply for funding from the new £1.5m Pride in Place Impact Fund, which supports projects that improve community buildings, upgrade cultural venues, and create spaces that strengthen local communities.News
Suffolk charity prepares 100 Christmas dinners for homeless
Staff and service users at Anglia Care Trust prepared 100 full Christmas dinners for rough sleepers and people in temporary accommodation across Ipswich, tripling the charity's original plan after receiving substantial donations.News
Regent's Cinderella breaks box office record after reopening
The Ipswich Regent Theatre's festive pantomime has broken box office records following the venue's £3.45 million refurbishment, the council has announced.News
Five months of Sproughton Road delays for Eastern Gateway
Drivers face five months of disruption on Sproughton Road from January 2026 as work begins on a new roundabout for the Eastern Gateway business park, Ipswich Borough Council has announced.News
Free solar panels and heat pumps available for Suffolk homes
Low-income Suffolk residents living in poorly insulated homes could be eligible for free solar panels, heat pumps and insulation worth thousands of pounds – but must apply within the next three months.News
'Fairer' local government funding settlement divides opinion
Suffolk County Council will see its core spending power rise by 24% over this Parliament under the government's funding settlement, but the authority says this masks a £6 million budget gap and assumes councils will raise council tax to the maximum every year.News
Ipswich MP accuses county council of 'do nothing' approach on bypass
Jack Abbott has launched a scathing attack on Suffolk County Council, accusing the authority of making "little progress" on the Northern Bypass despite a cross-party vote supporting the project five months ago and robust backing from ten of the county's biggest employers.News
Fears County Council could attempt to 'dodge' local elections in 2026
Opposition councillors have raised fears that the Conservative-led county council will attempt to use local government reform as an excuse to avoid facing voters in May 2026, warning "democracy delayed is democracy denied".News
'No brainer' £31m M&S store unanimously approved for former Toys R Us site
Babergh councillors have unanimously approved plans for a new £31m M&S store at the former Toys R Us site at the Copdock Interchange, with one councillor describing it as a "no-brainer".News
District councils lodge fresh complaint over One Suffolk campaign
Suffolk's district and borough councils have formally complained to the county council's monitoring officer over claims it breached publicity rules with its One Suffolk campaign, following a similar complaint made to the Government in November.News
What are river rights and why did Suffolk councillors reject them?
Suffolk County Council has rejected proposals to adopt a rights-of-rivers approach that would have given waterways legal protections, including the right to flow freely and be free from pollution, following similar moves by Norwich City Council and other authorities.News
Free training courses launched to get Suffolk working
More than 30 free training courses have been launched in Suffolk to help workers and businesses gain skills in sectors including construction, healthcare and clean energy.News
Sizewell C appoints new chief executive as project moves into full construction
Nigel Cann will become sole chief executive of the £38 billion Sizewell C nuclear power project from 1 January 2026, as Julia Pyke steps down after eight years leading the Suffolk development through its financing phase.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.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.News
UK's 'largest carbon-neutral' logistics park planned for former quarry
Plans to triple the size of a Great Blakenham logistics park into what the developer calls the UK's largest carbon-neutral hub have promised thousands of jobs but drawn warnings from residents over traffic, pollution and countryside loss.News
'For the love of God, yes': Residents back M&S plans for derelict Toys R Us site
Plans to transform the former Toys R Us building that has stood empty for seven years into a £31m M&S store have received unanimous support from local residents, with officers recommending approval despite concerns about footfall diversion from the town centre.News
Ipswich secures £9.8m for River Gipping heat network project
Ipswich has secured £9.8 million in government funding to develop a heat network that will harness naturally occurring heat from the River Gipping to supply low-carbon energy to around 40 buildings across Ipswich.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".News
Suffolk fire service making progress on culture but must 'do more', 'disappointed' inspectors say
His Majesty's Inspectorate has found that Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service is making progress on addressing serious cultural failings identified last year, but warned that improvements are not yet consistent across the organisation and significant work remains.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.News
The Baths to become creative powerhouse with £1.92m transformation
A £1.92m investment will breathe new life into The Baths, creating a Creative Digital Skills Lab designed to connect and inspire Ipswich's next generation of creative talent with training, facilities and job opportunities on their doorstep.News
Roadshow aims to unlock millions in apprenticeship funding
Suffolk businesses are being urged to maximise their apprenticeship levy funds at a series of roadshow events designed to help employers access millions in unspent funding that would otherwise return to central government.News
Regent Theatre transformation provides perfect launchpad for town's City of Culture bid
As Ipswich Town chairman Mark Ashton urged the town to "celebrate all the amazing things happening" at Friday's City of Culture launch, the Regent Theatre provided the perfect evidence. The £3.45 million transformation of this 96-year-old landmark proves Ipswich is serious about culture – and ready to show the rest of the UK what it's been missing.Feature
'Talk this town up' – Football boss's passionate plea for Ipswich City of Culture bid
Ipswich Town FC chairman Mark Ashton doesn't do half measures, and his speech launching Ipswich's City of Culture bid made that crystal clear – the club's leader wants everyone to stop undermining the town and start celebrating what makes it special as it gears up for its 2029 City of Culture bid.Feature
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.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.News
Free business support programme helps Ipswich startups beat survival odds
Over 90% of entrepreneurs in Ipswich backed by Start, Build & Grow, a free business support programme, are still trading after their first year – a survival rate far above national averages.News
White foam on River Gipping prompts Environment Agency probe
The Environment Agency is investigating after white foam appeared on the River Gipping between Needham Market and Sproughton over the weekend, spreading downstream into Ipswich. It comes as Anglian Water announces its ‘Excellent’ ratings for bathing waters in Suffolk.News
Does volunteering actually work for young people?
Volunteering is booming in Ipswich, with organisations like Volunteering Matters pushing it into the spotlight. The question is: does it work? Can giving your time for free really help you navigate an increasingly brutal job market?Feature
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.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.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.News
Ipswich Town chairman takes NHS Health Check to encourage fans to do the same
Mark Ashton has undergone a free NHS Health Check in a bid to encourage supporters and local residents to prioritise their health.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.News
Ipswich Town Hall to host first ever Christmas Fayre next week
The Town Hall, Corn Exchange and Cornhill will transform into a festive marketplace on Friday, 21 November and Saturday, 22 November, featuring over 60 stalls, Santa's Grotto and live entertainment.News
Twenty-three years of hope and heartbreak: Why Broomhill Pool campaigners refuse to give up
Despite two failed attempts to secure funding for one of Britain's finest lidos, the Broomhill Pool Trust chairman is urging stakeholders to "finally get the project over the line" – arguing the scheme is ready-made with planning permission, design approval, and unprecedented public support.News
New project aims to shine light on 'unrecorded' disability experiences in Suffolk
A new heritage project will capture the lived experiences of people with disabilities in Suffolk, addressing a gap in historical records while challenging perceptions about inclusion and accessibility in communities today.News
Upper Brook Street motorists face camera crackdown
Motorists who continue to flout traffic restrictions on Upper Brook Street face stronger enforcement, with plate-recognition cameras set to be installed following persistent breaches.News
Repair work begins on 15th century St Lawrence Church in Ipswich
St Lawrence Church on Dial Lane will undergo restoration work to repair stonework and flint on its exterior after concerns that parts of the Grade II* listed building were at risk of falling onto the public below.News
Suffolk County Council unveils £63m A12 upgrade plans
Suffolk County Council has submitted a full planning application for a major package of highway improvements worth £63 million along an 11km stretch of the A12 between Seven Hills Junction in Ipswich and Woods Lane north of Woodbridge.News
Behind Suffolk's three-year autism waits, campaigners say they're in mediation with the council
With suicide rates significantly higher among autistic people, Suffolk's three-year assessment waits aren't just frustrating – campaigners say they're potentially fatal.Feature
Mystery 'prestigious retailer' lined up for former Monsoon unit in town centre
A prominent Grade II listed building in Ipswich town centre is under offer, with agents confirming a new tenant has been secured for the former Monsoon site before Christmas.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.News
Remembrance Sunday in Ipswich: Everything you need to know about timings, routes and road closures
A military parade will march through Ipswich town centre from 10:15 on Sunday, 9 November, ahead of the Remembrance service at Christchurch Park, with rolling road closures affecting several streets and car park B on Portman Road closed for the day.News
Griff Rhys Jones to launch Ipswich waterfront AR experience next week
Actor and heritage enthusiast Griff Rhys Jones will visit Ipswich on Tuesday, 4 November at 14:00 to celebrate the opening of Stoke Bridge Wharf and launch 'Dock Stories', an augmented reality trail revealing the voices and characters behind one of England's most historic ports.News
The Portal: A reflection of Ipswich, in more ways than one
The Cornhill has seen a lot over the years: horse trams, FA Cup parades, a mile-long queue for free hot dogs. Last week, it added a giant oval screen that lets you wave at strangers around the world. We asked the public what they think.Feature
Private providers 'profiteering' as Suffolk struggles with children's care costs
Suffolk County Council is being forced into expensive private sector care packages costing up to £25,000 per week due to a shortage of foster carers and council-run children's homes, with the authority's executive director warning of "huge profiteering" by some organisations.News
Christmas lights switch-on to mark start of festive season in Ipswich
The town's annual Christmas lights switch-on returns to the Cornhill on Sunday, 16 November, kicking off the festive season with entertainment for all ages and free Sunday parking throughout the run-up to Christmas.News
Ipswich Witches to celebrate historic title win at town centre event on Friday
Fans can meet the Premiership-winning speedway team on the Town Hall steps at 12:30 on Friday, 31 October, as Ipswich celebrates its first championship since 1998.News
Why delayed SEND reforms matter for Suffolk's struggling council
The government's decision to delay long-awaited special needs reforms until 2026 comes as Suffolk faces a £161 million deficit in its schools budget, while grappling with soaring demand that has seen the county deliver 2,289 more education and health care plans than the previous year.News
Window to the world opens in Ipswich as Portal goes live
A live video sculpture connecting Ipswich's Cornhill to cities across the world has been switched on today, making the town the first location in the UK to join the global Portal network.News
How a routine social care review uncovered nearly three years of fraud
Suffolk woman Nichola Mohammed Ali has been sentenced after a routine social care review exposed a sophisticated fraud involving fake carers, fabricated invoices and overpayment schemes that went undetected for almost three years.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.News
Council launches budget consultation, faces 'difficult decisions' as demand outpaces funding
Suffolk County Council has opened a budget consultation as it grapples with rising demand for services that is outstripping available public funding, with particular pressure on adult and children's services.News
Ofsted finds 'early signs of improvement' at Suffolk children's services
Suffolk County Council's children's services are showing early signs of improvement but still face significant challenges in responding to requests for help, according to an Ofsted focused visit report published on Thursday, 16 October.News
Suffolk County Council signs partnership agreement with Ukrainian region
Suffolk County Council has formalised a partnership with Ukraine's Poltava region through a Memorandum of Understanding signed on Wednesday, 16 October, establishing cooperation across sectors including education, agriculture and renewable energy.News
The Cornhill awaits its Portal to the world
Construction is now well underway on the Cornhill to install a digital portal – a circular sculpture featuring a live-streaming screen that will connect Ipswich to cities around the world in real time, with completion expected next week.News
Suffolk to receive £240,000 for family support hubs
Suffolk will receive £239,684 in government funding to launch a Best Start Family Hub, part of a national rollout of up to 1,000 hubs across England by 2028. However, it remains unclear if the new hub will be established in Ipswich, with Suffolk County Council set to decide by next January.News
Parents have two weeks left to apply for secondary school places
Parents and carers across Suffolk have until Friday, 31 October to submit applications for their child's secondary school place starting September 2026, with late applications significantly reducing chances of securing preferred schools.News
Global jewellery brand Lovisa to open in historic Grimwades building
International fashion jewellery retailer Lovisa is set to open in the remaining ground floor unit of the Grimwades building, creating seven jobs and bringing the final piece of the regeneration project into place.News
Criminal or trailblazer? Margaret Catchpole's story returns to Suffolk
The personal letters of Margaret Catchpole, a servant girl who became a Suffolk legend after her daring jail escape and eventual deportation to Australia, invite visitors to decide for themselves whether she was a criminal or a woman charting her own path.News
Christchurch Mansion to reopen five days a week after £126k grant
Christchurch Mansion will reopen to visitors five days a week from 30 October after Colchester + Ipswich Museums secured £126,200 from the government's Museum Renewal Fund.News
Council's £9.5m plan to get sick and disabled back to work in Suffolk
More than 2,700 sick and disabled people across Suffolk could receive help getting back into work under a £9.5 million plan set to go before the council.News
Council's £20m car park that reduces spaces is a gamble the town cannot afford
Ipswich Borough Council has approved a £19.7m multi-storey car park at Portman Road that delivers fewer spaces than currently exist, funded by borrowing and enterprise zone money that could address more urgent needs. For a council already struggling financially, this represents a reckless bet on a masterplan that may never materialise.Opinion
Council approves budget for £19.7m Portman Road car park
Ipswich Borough Council's Executive has approved a £19.7m budget for a new 718-space multi-storey car park at Portman Road, marking the first phase of an ambitious infrastructure project that could enable a future Aquatics Centre and possible football stadium expansion.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.News
Council approves Ipswich taxi fare rise
Ipswich Borough Council has approved a 2.55% increase in hackney carriage fares, bringing the cost of a two-mile daytime journey to £8.00 from November.News
Police seize £500,000 of cocaine and weapons including ninja swords in Gipping and Westgate wards crackdown
A new policing strategy that has brought together 28 local partner organisations has seized approximately £500,000 worth of cocaine and weapons, including ninja swords and crossbows, in the Gipping and Westgate wards of Ipswich since March.News
Suffolk fire service making cultural improvements ahead of inspection
Suffolk's fire service is improving its culture as an inspection nears, the chief officer has said, following serious concerns raised about hostile and toxic behaviour by senior staff.News
Government to give councils new powers to block 'fake' barbers and unwanted vape shops
Councils across England and Wales will be encouraged to use new powers to prevent unwanted betting and vape shops, along with "fake" barbers and other businesses suspected of being fronts for criminal gangs, under the government's new Pride in Place programme.News
Labour's Pride in Place programme awards Ipswich a fraction given to other nearby towns
Ipswich Borough Council will receive £1.5 million over two years to improve public spaces under the government's new Pride in Place programme, significantly less than the up to £20 million being allocated to five other Suffolk and Norfolk towns over the next decade and just 0.03% of the total funding.News
Nadia Cenci appointed to key Communities County Cabinet role
Nadia Cenci has been named Suffolk County Council's new Cabinet Member for Communities, taking on responsibility for domestic abuse services, libraries, community safety and violence against women and girls programmes.News
County councillor quits Tories over council leader 'bullying' allegations
Sam Murray, county councillor for Whitehouse and Whitton, has resigned from the Suffolk County Council Conservative Group with immediate effect, accusing council leader Matthew Hicks of bullying.News
Youth council proposal caught up in Suffolk's council reorganisation battle
A motion to give young people a formal voice in local decision-making has been deferred until Suffolk's local government reorganisation is complete, with councillors voting last Wednesday to recommend the scheme to a future unitary authority.News
Ipswich council's homeless accommodation spending rises 22% to £2.1m
Ipswich Borough Council's spending on temporary homeless accommodation increased by 22% to approximately £2.1 million last year, new government figures show, with the council blaming outdated funding formulas for the rise.News
Chatbots and voice assistants proposed as part of £990k council savings plan
Digital assistants and voice technology could provide round-the-clock support for residents under proposals being considered by Ipswich Borough Council, with the authority projecting £991,940 in savings whilst maintaining that the technology will enhance rather than replace human staff.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.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.News
Council leader promises 'exciting options' for former crown court
Ipswich Borough Council is set to discuss plans for the future of the former Crown Court building on Civic Drive by the end of the year, the council leader has revealed.News
Suffolk County Council launches environmental investment scheme
Suffolk County Council has launched an investment scheme hoping to raise £1 million to fund local projects that will cut carbon emissions, offering 4% annual returns over five years with a minimum investment of £5.News
Ipswich taxi fares set to rise as council considers increase
Ipswich Borough Council will consider a 2.55% increase in hackney carriage fares at its Executive meeting on Monday, 30 September, potentially increasing the cost of a two-mile journey by £0.20 from November.News
Ipswich convenience store seeks 24-hour alcohol licence amid serious police concerns
Best Convenience Store on Tacket Street has applied to sell alcohol around the clock and serve late-night refreshments until 5am, but Suffolk Constabulary has raised objections to the proposal.News
County council pays out £340k as SEND complaints soar
Suffolk County Council paid out more than £340,000 to families during the past year as complaints about children's services increased by 40%, with most relating to special educational needs.News
Suffolk County Council brands Ipswich 'selfish' over 'blocked' parish funding
Suffolk County Council has accused Ipswich Borough Council of taking a "selfish attitude" after it said Ipswich "blocked" an £80,000 programme to help parish councils across Suffolk deal with major infrastructure projects like Sizewell C and solar farms.News
Council tax 'harmonisation' explained as councils prepare to submit devolution proposals to Westminster
Suffolk's six county, district and borough councils will cease to exist by May 2028 and be replaced by unitary authorities, triggering a 'harmonisation' process that will bring all residents' council tax to the same level within new authority boundaries.News
Everything you need to stay healthy this winter at free Ipswich event
From flu vaccinations and benefits advice to mental health support and housing guidance, a comprehensive winter health event this Wednesday aims to help Ipswich residents prepare for the challenging months ahead.News
Waterfront transformation gathers pace as pedestrian works follow Stoke Bridge viewing platform
The pedestrian improvements are set to begin on Monday and represent the latest phase in Ipswich Waterfront's ongoing regeneration, building on the Stoke Bridge viewing platform project that commenced this week.News
Hospice art trail raises £250k to support local care
A summer of creativity across Suffolk has raised more than £250,000 for St Elizabeth Hospice, showing how collective action can fund vital local care.News
Council backs waiving £250,000 developer contribution for Lower Orwell Street flats
Ipswich Borough Council has unanimously agreed to waive a quarter-million-pound developer contribution as plans to convert a former gym into 16 flats move forward with drastically reduced community funding.News
Suffolk County Council approves single authority plan amid fierce opposition
Suffolk County Council has approved its plan to create a single unitary authority for the county, despite a heated debate that exposed deep divisions over the future of local democracy in Suffolk.News
£500,000 culture fund reopens for Suffolk arts and museum projects
Suffolk County Council has launched the second year of its Culture Project Fund, offering grants of up to £20,000 to support local arts and museum projects across the county.News
Suffolk's district and borough councils publish full plan for three unitary authorities
Hot off the heels of Suffolk County Council's full plan for a single unitary authority last week, Suffolk's district and borough councils have today released their competing plan for three unitary authorities, promising at least £34 million in annual savings and £20 million reinvestment into local services.News
Major operation seizes £1.3m of 'dangerous' electric vehicles
A multi-agency crackdown led by Suffolk Trading Standards has seized 340 dangerous electric motorcycles and transport goods worth £1.3 million at the Port of Felixstowe, preventing unsafe vehicles capable of speeds over 50mph from reaching UK consumers.News
School place applications now open for September 2026
Parents and carers can now apply for primary and secondary school places for next September, with deadlines set for 31 October for secondary schools and 15 January for primary schools.News
Suffolk roads 'better than national average' despite opposition criticism, says county council
Suffolk County Council has defended its transport spending record, citing independent surveys showing the county's roads are in better condition than national averages, as opposition councillors question the authority's management of government funding.News
Suffolk County Council faces £13.3m budget overspend as council reform reduces savings
Suffolk County Council is grappling with a £13.3 million budget overspend, with local government reform blamed for holding back £2.5 million of planned savings, council leaders revealed following their first quarter review this week.News
Councillors to consider waiving £250,000 developer contribution for Lower Orwell Street flats
Ipswich Borough Council is to consider waiving a quarter-million-pound developer contribution after financial assessments showed previously approved plans to convert the former Gym & Trim building into flats would fall below the Government's profitability threshold.News
Ipswich buses get biggest service boost since 1998
Ipswich Buses has secured funding to deliver the most significant improvement to local routes in nearly three decades, with more frequent buses and new Sunday services already running.News
County publishes full One Suffolk business case with £39.4m savings pledge and lower council tax for Ipswich
Suffolk County Council has published the full business case for its One Suffolk proposal, claiming it would save £39.4 million annually while cutting council tax bills and investing £40 million in market towns.News
Suffolk councils stand by merger savings as government reveals it didn't conduct its own analysis
Suffolk council leaders are backing their financial projections for council mergers as the Government faces criticism for relying on third-party analysis that originally promised £2.9bn in savings, but now suggests reorganisation could cost more money.News
Council scraps variable parking charges after resident backlash
Ipswich Borough Council has abandoned plans to charge residents more for parking permits based on the size of their vehicle, following strong opposition during public consultation.News
How Suffolk plans to tackle nature decline affecting a third of species since 1970
Suffolk's new nature recovery strategy aims to address a biodiversity crisis that has seen species abundance fall by 32% in England since 1970, with ambitious plans to restore habitats across nearly a third of the county's land.News
'There's a lot of politics in this': Lone councillor campaigns for two-unitary solution
A Suffolk councillor believes residents are being let down by political point-scoring as he campaigns alone for a two-unitary solution that he says would balance local representation with cost savings.News
Suffolk's debt hits £1.1bn as three councils see increases
Suffolk's total council debt has reached £1.1 billion, with three authorities seeing increases in the past year whilst the remaining councils reduced their borrowing levels.News
Rogue Ipswich plumber jailed for £22,000 customer fraud
Grant Phillips was sentenced to 26 months in prison at Ipswich Crown Court today (Wednesday, 20 August) for taking money from 12 customers for work that was not completed or was substandard.News
Agency social worker branded 'fraudster and thief' by judge after defrauding council of £17,669
A former Suffolk County Council social worker has been sentenced for dishonestly claiming full-time pay from multiple authorities, with the judge making scathing comments about her deception.News
'One Suffolk' local government reform campaign sparks dispute over taxpayer spending
Suffolk County Council and opposition councillors are at odds over whether the authority's 'One Suffolk' marketing spend represents legitimate public engagement or political campaigning ahead of government reorganisation decisions.News
'Ridiculous' Westerfield Road closure cut from 17 weeks to eight weeks
Bellway has slashed the full road closure period for major infrastructure works on Westerfield Road by more than half following concerns from residents and Suffolk County Council.News
Suffolk's district councils formally challenge county's single authority plan
After months of speculation, Suffolk's five district and borough councils have formally launched their three-unitary authority proposal, offering residents a direct alternative to the county council's one-unitary authority plan.News
How autonomous shuttles could transform Suffolk's rural transport
Suffolk County Council has secured £75,000 government funding to explore whether self-driving vehicles can address driver shortages and improve accessibility, particularly in areas poorly served by traditional bus routes.News
County council demands confirmation of leaked devolution boundaries
Suffolk County Council has asked district and borough leaders to confirm whether leaked boundary maps showing three proposed unitary authorities are accurate, citing risks to service users.News
Young road safety champions celebrated at county awards
Suffolk's Junior Road Safety Officers gathered at Endeavour House for a special ceremony recognising their work promoting safer streets in local communities.News
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