Two or more unitary solution best to deliver services and represent local residents – says West Suffolk

Two or more unitary authorities is the best way to reorganise local government in Suffolk, drive better outcomes, value for money and services which meet local people’s needs.

That is the initial view of West Suffolk Council following its council and cabinet meetings held yesterday, Tuesday, March 18.

The views will now help form the basis of a joint initial report being sent to the government on March 21 by Suffolk district and borough councils.

Proposals for a one size fits all council were rejected as not meeting the needs of local communities as well as more than one unitary authority.

Two or three unitary authorities, covering distinct areas in Suffolk, could better deliver integrated services that meet local needs, designed with residents, and be flexible and quicker to react.

Vitally it would be close enough to connect with its communities, understand local issues and deliver tailored value for money services that are financially sustainable.

Cliff Waterman, the leader of West Suffolk Council, said: “We have a unique chance to forge new ways of working that are innovative, drive better outcomes, as well as being focused on the different opportunities and challenges we face across Suffolk. But most of all find a solution that keeps the needs of communities at its heart and ensures the ‘local’ remains in local government.

“This is not simply a reorganisation. We must seize the opportunities of public sector reform.

“We can truly make a difference in preventive initiatives, link services such as social care and housing, leisure and public health to provide joined-up solutions that are tailored to not only protecting the vulnerable but making sure our communities and economy thrive.

“In short, it’s not just about achieving savings if that money is then just spent in the old way.

“It has to be about driving better outcomes, value for money and long term financial stability.”

Two or three unitary authorities dedicated to their locality, working together where necessary, will deliver:

• Cost effective and integrated high-quality services for Suffolk residents;
• Long term financial sustainability;
• Economic growth and support to local industry;
• Stronger democratic representation, community engagement and neighbourhood empowerment;
• Governance and support systems which can adapt to future aspirations and sustainable growth;
• Ambitions to drive progress, innovation, and long-term success; and
• Structures to support and enable thriving communities and economies.

The interim proposals debated by the council said Suffolk is an area of varied communities and businesses as well as challenges and opportunities – rural, coastal, industrial, agricultural and urban.

From the home of horseracing, to free ports, nuclear and green energy centres, RAF and military communities, leading AME, bio and agritech industries, seaside tourism, historic market towns, villages, growth and prosperity of Ipswich, as well as being partly in the Cambridge sub-region.

The report outlined how having more than one unitary authority is the only way to effectively keep focus on these diverse and differing needs and grasp the opportunities they present.

Multiple unitaries have the capacity and local knowledge to lead on this while not having to divide their attention to multiple parts of the county.

It also supports a more balanced solution for the governance of the Mayoral Combined Authority which is being set up next year for Norfolk and Suffolk.

A multi-unitary model helps give a voice for Suffolk communities in any new arrangement.

These initial joint proposals for a generational change on how local government is delivered in Suffolk has been put forward by Suffolk borough and district councils.

They are being debated by West Suffolk Council as well as Babergh District Council, East Suffolk Council, Ipswich Borough Council and Mid Suffolk District Council this week.

This is in response to an invitation by the government as part of its English Devolution White Paper.

The initial report will show the early thinking of local authorities on the general shape and direction of their plans for local government reorganisation.

Further work and engagement with the public will be carried out ready for a final submission to the government by September 26.