Issue - meetings

Portfolio Holder – Councillor Neil MacDonald

In February 2025, the Minister for Devolution invited all councils in two tier areas to submit proposals for the reorganisation of local government into unitary councils.

The Minister has asked councils to share their initial thinking by 21^st March 2025, and Ipswich Borough Council has been working with the District Councils in Suffolk to prepare a “multi-unitary” council proposal.

115.1.  Councillor MacDonald noted that an addendum had been circulated. Councillor MacDonald introduced the report, noting that this was a once in a generation opportunity to reshape Local Government in Suffolk and thereby improve the lives of residents.

It was RESOLVED:

a)             that Executive notes the views of Council, as expressed at its meeting on 19^th March 2025.

b)             that Executive notes the content of the draft Interim Plan attached at Appendix 2 of the report and the Case for a unitary Ipswich Council at Appendix 1 of the report.

c)             that Executive authorises the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, to finalise the submission of an Interim Plan to Government for its 21^st March 2025 deadline.

d)             that Executive certifies the decision at c) as urgent and exempt from call-in.

Reason: to comply with the Government’s requirement to receive an Interim Plan for Local Government Reorganisation by 21^st March 2025.