On 30th October, I attended Westminster by invitation from James Cartlidge MP as part of a Parliamentary Leaders’ Discussion and Q\&A on the future of local government in Suffolk. I saw this as an opportunity to explore how reorganisation could reshape governance, services, and accountability for our communities. I made lots of notes, which are summarised below:
Why This Matters
The most important outcome of any reorganisation must be resilience and sustainability for the future. Suffolk needs a structure that:
Unlocks fragmented processes
that currently make governance confusing, costly, and frustrating.
Gives Suffolk a stronger voice
in shaping its own destiny.
This is not just about structural change—it’s about getting it right for residents and businesses. With a new Mayor on the horizon, there are fresh opportunities to align leadership, investment, and service delivery in ways that truly benefit our communities.
The Opportunity
Although the process has been imposed by Government, Suffolk has missed out before. This time, we have the chance to stand up for ourselves and ensure reforms focus on services for people and businesses, not bureaucracy. Other areas have gone through this journey, so the risks and costs are understood, allowing us to build a business case that looks at the wider context and delivers an outcome that is effective, sustainable, and resident-focused.
Key Challenges
The biggest concern is the “how”—managing change and navigating the unknown. Questions remain about:
Councillor ratios
and how to maintain strong engagement so people feel heard and can influence decisions.
Ensuring
quality of service
remains the priority, regardless of the model adopted.
Learning from
what has worked and what hasn’t
elsewhere.
Most people simply want things done well. That means designing a system that is efficient, accountable, and responsive.
Looking Ahead
Attending this event on behalf of SALC was invaluable. It will feed directly into our next steps as we continue to engage and influence throughout the change process. This is a moment for Suffolk to embrace the opportunity, shape its future, and deliver governance that works for everyone.
Sally Longmate, CEO