Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation

What is Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation?

Devolution

Devolution is the transfer of powers & responsibilities from central to local government through the creation of a Mayor.

For us, this will be a new Mayor covering both Suffolk and Norfolk through the creation of a Mayoral Combined county Authority.

The Mayor will:

• take control of some powers currently held by the district, borough and county councils
• bring new powers and funding,
• bring the ability to speak directly to government ministers

The Mayor will be elected in May 2028 and will oversee:

Update

The Government has announced that Suffolk’s current two‑tier system of local government will be replaced by three new unitary authorities, each with their own new geographical area: West Suffolk, East Suffolk, and South Suffolk and Ipswich.

While detailed boundaries are still being finalised, the creation of three unitary councils, Western Suffolk, Central & Eastern Suffolk, and Ipswich & South Suffolk, means that from May 2028 the new councils will replace the following:

• Western Suffolk: West Suffolk Council, as well as parts of Babergh and Mid Suffolk Council
• Central & Eastern Suffolk: East Suffolk Council, as well as parts of Mid Suffolk Council
• Ipswich & South Suffolk: Ipswich Borough Council as well as parts of Babergh Council, and East Suffolk Council

Additionally, each new authority would be responsible for the delivery of the services previously undertaken by the County Council in their specific area. The new councils would have responsibility for delivering services including waste collection, planning, adult social care, children’s services, highways and more.

What happens next?

• Following the consultation period, Government will decide which option will go ahead (expected spring 2026)
• Following this, a shadow authority will be set up, with elections taking place in 2027
• In April 2028, the new authority will be in place