The structure of Government
in Suffolk

Local councils should be clear about the structure and which local authority does what when carrying out their duties as often the public are confused about who they should contact when they have a problem. 

NATIONAL GOVERNMENT 

There are 8 parliamentary constituencies in Suffolk.  Use this link to access a list of Members of Parliament in Suffolk.

Babergh District Council

Link to website

street lights (note this can also be parish and county), street cleaning/litter (can also be parish), financial support for voluntary organisations including community transport, village halls, recycling (as a waste authority)*

East Suffolk Council 

Link to website

street lights (note this can also be parish and county), street cleaning/litter (can also be parish), financial support for voluntary organisations including community transport, village halls, recycling (as a waste authority)*

Ipswich Borough Council 

Link to website

Recycling - the district council is the waste collection authority.  It has a duty to have a plan which deals with arrangements to recycle waste.  A waste collection authority has the power to pay persons (including parish councils) to recycle waste which it (the district council) has a duty to recycle.  The County County is responsible for disposing of waste.

Mid Suffolk District Council 

Link to website

street lights (note this can also be parish and county), street cleaning/litter (can also be parish), financial support for voluntary organisations including community transport, village halls, recycling (as a waste authority)*

Suffolk County Council

Link to website

repairs to potholes, maintenance of street lights (note this can also be parish and district), traffic calming, maintenance of public rights of way (can also be parish), financial support for voluntary sector including community transport, village halls, disposal of waste.

West Suffolk Council 

Link to website

street lights (note this can also be parish and county), street cleaning/litter (can also be parish), financial support for voluntary organisations including community transport, village halls, recycling (as a waste authority)*

Across Suffolk there are 372 town and parish councils and 56 parish meetings.