Leaders in Ipswich, West Suffolk, East Suffolk, Mid Suffolk and Babergh reject 'mega council' plan as devolution debates to take place

District and borough leaders have rejected proposals for a 'mega council' as devolution debates are set to take place.

Last month, Suffolk County Council announced its preference for a single unitary authority as part of the Government's devolution and local government reorganisation plans.

But the leaders across Suffolk's second-tier authorities have come out against the proposals and said a single council would be both too large and too remote.

Cllr Caroline Topping, East Suffolk's leader, said a single council represented 'a total failure of imagination' which failed to recognise varied challenges across the county.

As part of the Government's plans, councils participating in the fast-track programme must submit initial proposals by March 21 and detailed plans in the autumn.

Cllr Deborah Saw, Babergh's leader, said: “The creation of a mega council will break the connection between communities and the councillors who live and work within them — councils will become more remote from the people they serve."

With debates still to take place during each authority's full council meetings next week, however, it is still unclear what proposals will look like.

So far, only Ipswich councillors voted to endorse a Greater Ipswich unitary authority.

The Government's devolution white paper outlined a preference for unitary authorities to represent at least 500,000 people, but included exceptions where it made practical sense.

Key to how many unitary authorities should make up the county once reorganisation arrives in full swing is how financially sustainable proposals will be.

The county council argued a single authority could deliver as much as nine times the economic advantages of a two-council solution, with three councils not delivering any savings for at least a decade.

Cllr Richard Rout, the county's lead for devolution and local government reorganisation, said: “The latest independent analysis shows that having a single council for Suffolk will free up more money to reinvest in frontline public services that benefit residents, while having three councils would cost the taxpayer more than the current system.

Meanwhile, district and borough leaders said they were confident multiple authorities would still deliver the economic benefits while keeping decision-making close to residents.

Cllr Cliff Waterman, West Suffolk's leader, said: “It is about starting with a blank page and not simply bolting council services together.

"Our collective solution is the best way to deliver services, value for money and make sure the ‘local’ stays in Local Government for Suffolk."

Cllr Rout stressed, however, a single council would still be able to address the various needs across the county while keeping residents involved.

He said: “A single council will absolutely be able to reflect the diversity of Suffolk, and our plans will clearly show how local priorities and residents’ voices can and will be central to decision making.

“If we’re going to create a truly sustainable and effective council structure for Suffolk, then one council is the only viable option.”