As Suffolk moves towards a new model for local government, it’s natural for residents to have questions about who will be responsible for different services.
While details are still being finalised, this page explains what is currently known about how services will be organised. We will update and add to this information as decisions are confirmed.
The new unitary councils for Suffolk
From April 2028, local government in Suffolk will change, with three new unitary councils being created:
- Central and East Suffolk Council
- Ipswich and South Suffolk Council
- West Suffolk Council
These new councils will take on the responsibilities of the current councils in Suffolk. This means the existing county, district and borough councils will be replaced within their respective areas.
As a result, services currently delivered by both county and district or borough councils will sit under one council in each area.
The aim is to make services simpler to access, reduce duplication, and provide clearer accountability.
Roles and responsibilities of the new councils
The new unitary councils will be responsible for a wide range of services, including:
- Adult social care
- Services for children, young people and families, including education support and safeguarding
- Housing services and homelessness support
- Planning, building control and placeshaping
- Waste and recycling, from collection through to disposal
- Highways, transport and road maintenance
- Public health and wellbeing
- Libraries and community services
- Environmental health, licensing and trading standards
- Council tax, business rates and local finances
- Support for local businesses, jobs and economic growth
- Leisure facilities, parks and community spaces
- Benefits
- Council housing
Council services during the transition
During the transition period there should be no disruption to the delivery of the services Suffolk’s residents rely on.
Your local district or borough council, alongside Suffolk County Council, will continue to deliver services as normal.
Town and parish councils
Many parts of Suffolk also have town or parish councils, which operate at a very local level.
Town and parish councils are not directly affected by local government reorganisation and will continue to carry out their existing roles.
Local government reorganisation does, however, provide opportunities for town and parish councils to take on additional responsibilities, if they choose to do so and are able to deliver them.
Town and parish councils focus on very local issues, often working directly with residents and community groups. Responsibilities vary from council to council but often include:
- Managing community buildings, parks and open spaces
- Supporting local events and community activities
- Maintaining allotments, cemeteries and war memorials
- Providing small grants to local organisations
- Representing local views on planning applications and local issues
Town and parish councils work closely with county, district and borough councils to help make sure local needs are reflected in the services provided.