Local democracy reporter
João Santos
João is a Local Democracy Reporter covering Suffolk's district and borough councils, as well as Suffolk County Council.
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
'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.byOliver Rouane-WilliamsandJoão Santos
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.byJoão SantosandOliver Rouane-Williams
News
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.byJoão SantosandOliver Rouane-Williams
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.byJoão SantosandOliver Rouane-Williams
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.byJoão SantosandOliver Rouane-Williams
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.byJoão SantosandOliver Rouane-Williams
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
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.byJoão SantosandOliver Rouane-Williams
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.byJoão SantosandOliver Rouane-Williams
News
NHS board reveals stark differences in workplace harassment between staff groups
Black and minority ethnic staff at Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board experience significantly higher rates of workplace harassment from colleagues than white staff, according to annual survey data discussed by board members yesterday.byJoão SantosandOliver Rouane-Williams
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