In the news
Ipswich MP demands 'no more excuses' over potholes but council yet to receive details from Department for Transport
Ipswich MP Jack Abbott and Suffolk County Council have offered contrasting views on new road repair funding announced by the government. While Abbott welcomes a "huge funding uplift", the council emphasises the need to understand allocation details before making commitments.News
New £12.8m ambulance hub takes shape in Ipswich
A steel signing ceremony has marked a key milestone in the construction of a new £12.8m ambulance hub in Ipswich, which will help keep more emergency vehicles on the road.News
Jack Abbott: MP for Ipswich or the East of England?
In recent months, Jack Abbott has taken on a dual role that deserves closer scrutiny. While elected to represent Ipswich, he's now also serving as Mission Champion for the East of England – but what does this actually mean, and should we be concerned?Opinion
Ipswich MP backs advance rent cap limit but local property experts warn of 'unintended consequences'
Ipswich MP Jack Abbott has backed new legislation limiting advance rent payments to one month, but local property experts warn the changes could have unintended consequences for renters in Ipswich.News
Policing minister visits Ipswich to discuss town centre crime
Policing Minister Dame Diana Johnson visited Ipswich today to meet with local businesses and police about tackling retail crime and anti-social behaviour. The visit follows an invitation from Ipswich MP Jack Abbott to discuss town centre regeneration.News
Ipswich MP backs government's plan to clear 57,000-patient hospital backlog
Ipswich MP and East of England Mission Champion Jack Abbott has fully endorsed new government plans to tackle NHS waiting lists, as figures reveal more than 57,000 local patients are waiting longer than 18 weeks for treatment.News
Premier League trophy visits two Ipswich primary schools
Hundreds of Ipswich schoolchildren had a surprise visit from the Premier League trophy today at The Willows and Halifax primary schools, accompanied by local MP Jack Abbott.News
Local MPs split as national inquiry into grooming gangs rejected
Local MPs Jack Abbott and Patrick Spencer (inevitably) found themselves on opposite sides of a controversial vote on whether to launch a national inquiry into grooming gangs, as the amendment was (also inevitably) defeated in parliament by 364 votes to 111.News
Major school reforms set to affect thousands of Ipswich families
New legislation going through Parliament will require all teachers to have formal qualifications and introduce free breakfast clubs in primary schools. The Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill aims to reform the country's education and child protection services.News
Ipswich to receive extra £200,000 from government for disabled home improvements
Ipswich will receive more than £200,000 in additional funding to help disabled and elderly residents make improvements to their homes. The investment is part of a wider £86 million national funding boost to the £711m Disabled Facilities Grant.News
Suffolk faces 'historic decision' as council calls crucial devolution vote
Suffolk County Council will hold an extraordinary meeting on 9 January to decide whether to join the government's Devolution Priority Programme, as debate intensifies over the future of local democracy and governance.News
Jack Abbott welcomes £889m GP services reform plan
Ipswich residents could see major changes to local GP services under new government proposals that promise the biggest boost to GP funding in years. The plans aim to slash bureaucracy and ensure patients can see the same doctor at each appointment.News
Suffolk County Council to receive £44m boost for pothole repairs in 2025
Suffolk is set to receive £44 million to tackle potholes next year, including £11.7 million in new funding from the government's £1.6 billion national road repair scheme.News
Suffolk police to receive £5.5m funding boost from government
Suffolk's police force is set to receive an extra £5.5 million in government funding next year, the Home Office has announced. The increase represents a 5.6% rise from 2023-24.News
New powers could see water company bosses face prison for pollution as Anglian Water announces £884m investment plan for Suffolk and Essex
Water company executives who allow sewage pollution could face prison sentences under new legislation introduced to Parliament, announced on the same day Anglian Water received approval for its £884m investment plan for Suffolk and Essex.News
Ipswich primary schools urged to apply for free breakfast club scheme
Ipswich MP Jack Abbott is encouraging local primary schools to apply for a new government breakfast club programme. Schools have until 20 December to apply to become one of 750 'early adopters' ahead of a nationwide rollout in April 2025.News
Health Minister meets Ipswich MPs over cancelled surgery plans
The government minister responsible for primary care has met with Ipswich's MPs to discuss the cancelled development of a 'super surgery' in north west Ipswich. Stephen Kinnock MP held talks with local representatives following the scrapping of Cardinal Medical Practice's planned development at the former Tooks Bakery site.News
Suffolk to receive £9m government funding boost for bus services
Suffolk is set to receive nearly £9 million in government funding to improve local bus services. The investment aims to enhance popular routes, protect rural services and increase bus use across the county.News
Ipswich MP demands answers over Covid fraud recovery delays in Ipswich
Jack Abbott, MP for Ipswich, has questioned why it's taken over four years to address Covid contract fraud that affected local constituents who "sacrificed so much during the pandemic."News