English Devolution White Paper
On 16 December 2024 Government published its English Devolution White Paper GOV.UK - English Devolution White Paper. This included the creation of mayors and strategic authorities to support their work. County councils were invited to take part in the Devolution Priority Programme to be some of the first to create new mayors under the Government guidance.
In addition district, borough and county councils were invited to take part in Local Government Reorganisation which looks at delivering all council services under new unitary authorities serving a particular area.
Devolution Priority Programme
Norfolk and Suffolk have been accepted on the Government’s Devolution Priority Programme to create one mayor for the two counties supported by a mayoral combined authority.
The government has outlined that the mayor and new authorities will have funding and powers devolved to them from Government. You can find out more about this as well as the consultation the Government is running on proposals GOV.UK - Norfolk and Suffolk devolution consultation
Key devolution dates
1 May 2026: Election of mayor of Norfolk and Suffolk
Local government reorganisation
Local government reorganisation would see all six of Suffolk’s district, borough and county councils disbanded and replaced with one or more unitary authorities. They would provide all councils services in an area.
At this stage, no decision has been made on whether Suffolk would be covered by a single or multiple unitary councils. Government has asked councils to submit an interim plan to Government on 21 March setting out the council’s response to the invitation.
Suffolk borough and district councils have worked together to produce a joint interim report looking at what would be the best unitary solution for the county while taking into account Government guidance. This has now been agreed by West Suffolk Council, Babergh District Council, East Suffolk Council, Ipswich Borough Council and Mid Suffolk District Council. The interim report has now been sent to Government to meet the 21 March deadline. This report is designed to show the shape of proposals and direction of travel. A detailed final case will be submitted by 26 September and in producing this councils will be engaging with local communities, organisations and partners.
Read the Interim Plan for Suffolk Local Government Reorganisation
Key local government reorganisation dates
- 21 March 2025: Outline business cases to be submitted to government
- 26 September 2025: Final business cases to be submitted to government