Devolution and local government re-organisation 

WELCOME to the devolution and LGR Information Page

This page was last updated on 21st July and is designed as a reference point that allows town and parish councils and parish meetings in Suffolk to remain connected with devolution and local government re-organisation.

On 5th February 2025 , it was announced that Suffolk is on the new   fast-track Devolution Priority Programme (DPP) , resulting in the election of a Mayor (covering Suffolk and Norfolk) in May 2026 .

What is LGR? What is devolution?

What is LGR?

Local government reorganisation, or LGR, is a process where the structure of local councils is changed, often involving the creation of new unitary authorities or combined authorities.

This can mean merging existing councils, redrawing boundaries, or shifting responsibilities. The aim is to create more effective, efficient, and sustainable local government structures, particularly in areas with two-tier systems (county and district councils) or where existing unitary councils are struggling. 

What is devolution?

Local government reorganisation, or LGR, is a process where the structure of local councils is changed, often involving the creation of new unitary authorities or combined authorities.

This can mean merging existing councils, redrawing boundaries, or shifting responsibilities. The aim is to create more effective, efficient, and sustainable local government structures, particularly in areas with two-tier systems (county and district councils) or where existing unitary councils are struggling. 

Timeline

Interim plans submitted in relation to LGR by districts, county and borough councils have now received feedback from Government (see news story below).  Full and detailed plans are now being developed - deadline 26th September.

Business as usual

Is to continue across the public sector

Elections

2025 County Council elections have been postponed it is proposed there is an election to appoint a new joint Mayor for Norfolk and Suffolk in May 2026.

Engagement

The letter to Suffolk sets out expectations including proactive collaboration and wide engagement with local partners, stakeholders, and residents 

A letter from Government (see below) to Suffolk contains more details on developing plans for re-organisation, supporting places through change, timelines and next steps for interim plans and full proposals.   We encourage our members to familiarise themselves with this framework.  

SALC survey

We recently launched a survey across our sector and encouraging all councils and parish meetings to take part.  The details are already informing the work in a representative role on devolution and local government re-organisation. 

Devolution submissions

The deadline for responding to the Government's consultation on devolution has now passed.  

Devolution briefing

Hosted by SALC, MHCLG presented to our sector on 18th March.  On school transport question,  MHCLG have clarified this point to advise that school transport does not move to the new institution.  

Interim plans 

Use this link to view Suffolk County Council's Resident's summary of plans submitted 

Use this link to view to collaborative submission by Babergh District Council, East Suffolk District Council, Ipswich Borough Council, Mid Suffolk District Council and West Suffolk District Council

Meetings 

Suffolk County Council - 18th March
Babergh District Council - 20th March
East Suffolk Council - 19th March
Ipswich Borough Council - 11th March
Mid Suffolk District Council - 19th March
West Suffolk Council - 18th March

Consultation

Government is consulting on proposals to create a Mayoral Combined County Authority

LINK TO CONSULTATION PAGE

Letter to Suffolk

Read the letter from Government dated 6th February to Leaders of two-tier councils in Suffolk.

LINK TO THE LETTER

Suffolk CC 

Access their dedicated page containing information and press releases.

LINK TO SUFFOLK DEVO PAGE

FAQs

Visit the LGA devolution and local government re-organisation hub which includes FAQs

LINK TO THE LGA HUB

White Paper

Access the Government White Paper - Power and Partnerships : Foundations for Growth

LINK TO THE PUBLICATION

SALC - representative role

Working closely with the SALC Board, we have undertaken a stakeholder mapping exercise to help us identify who we need to engage with on your behalf to effectively influence decisions impacting the sector.  We have categorised these stakeholders into groups to help us foster collaboration, gather insights and advocate the needs of local councils. 

The resulting communication strategy has already commenced - we will inform to raise awareness and ensure information is cascaded, we will consult to ensure we have a wide range of perspectives and explore collaborative opportunities, we will use that insight to influence change and engage and inform decision-makers to help shape policies affecting local councils.