Here’s the Latest from BSMDC via Coddenham Parish Council.

From: BMSDC Communications Mailbox <Sent: Thursday, August 07, 2025 14:36
To: BMSDC Communications Mailbox <communications@baberghmidsuffolk.gov.uk>
Subject: Local Government Reorganisation: More details on our proposal for three unitary councils

Dear Town and Parish clerks,

Further to our discussions about Local Government Reorganisation in recent months, we are now able to provide more details and update you on the next steps.

At our Full Council meetings in July, all district and borough councils agreed to further develop the case for three unitary councils as our preferred option for Suffolk – and we have been working at pace since then.

Having listened to what you and our residents have told us, a huge amount of work has taken place to develop the best possible case for creating councils that are big enough to deliver economies of scale, but still local enough to care and represent the differing needs of our communities.

We are now ready to share further information for the next stage of discussions and engagement – and, as always throughout this process, want you to be among the first to know.

We want you to be amongst the first to see a new website that presents our case for change as it develops HERE.

As you will see, it includes a map showing proposed boundaries of the three new councils. These are broadly equal in terms of population size, but each with their own distinct identities. You will be able to see where your town or parish would sit.

It also presents our initial financial case showing how three unitary councils are both affordable and financially sustainable, focusing on value for money and improved outcomes for our residents and communities rather than mere savings.

Independent analysis by KPMG shows the model could unlock £34 million in annual savings, while allowing reinvestment of £20 million every year back into vital services such as social care, highways, and housing.

Please take the time to have a look at the site. We will be holding further engagement with you in the coming weeks, but if any of you would welcome a 1-2-1 conversation, please get in touch.

As you will see from the website, we are clear about the importance of town and parish councils in the new structure, and it is vital you are supported and empowered throughout this process and beyond.

In terms of immediate next steps, work will continue to seek feedback and finalise the proposals ahead of further discussion by each council again in September.

Babergh District Council meets on September 23 and Mid Suffolk District Council on September 25. Subject to council decisions, all submissions will then go to Government on September 26 – and it remains our intention that the five district and borough councils submit a joint proposal.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government will then carry out a further consultation and make a final decision over how many unitary councils there should be in Suffolk next year.Elections for the new shadow unitary authority or authorities are then expected to take place in May 2027, ahead of the new structure going live in April 2028.

In the meantime, our new regional Mayor for Norfolk and Suffolk is due to be elected in May 2026.

As always, we will continue to keep you fully updated throughout the process.

Kind regards

John Ward, Babergh District Council leader and Andy Mellen, Mid Suffolk District Council leader