With the creation of three new councils for Suffolk – Central and East Suffolk, Ipswich and South Suffolk, and West Suffolk – there are a series of key milestones that must be met to ensure a smooth transition.
Timeline
Councils in Suffolk were invited to submit LGR proposals on how they see the future of Suffolk local authorities.
Interim LGR plans were submitted by Suffolk councils.
Full LGR business cases were submitted by Suffolk councils.
The public statutory consultation on LGR business cases in Suffolk was launched by the Government on 19 November 2025 and closed on 11 January 2026.
The Government announced their decision on LGR for Suffolk, opting for three unitary councils.
You'll have the chance to vote for the councillors who will represent the 3 new unitary councils. These councillors will form ‘shadow authorities’. They'll work alongside existing councils, overseeing preparations for the new unitary councils.
During this period, the shadow authorities will prepare the new councils to take on all local services, including:
- agreeing budgets
- setting up systems, governance and processes
- ensuring the smooth transfer of services
- finalising how the new councils will operate from April 2028
Throughout this period you will continue to receive services as usual, with the transition work taking place in the background.
The new unitary councils officially come into existence, and county, district and borough councils in Suffolk are formally abolished.
From this date East and Central Suffolk Council, Ipswich and South Suffolk Council, and West Suffolk Council will take full responsibility for delivering services in their area.