Boundary Committee publishes draft proposal for unitary local government in Suffolk

10.00.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 11th Jul 2008

The Boundary Committee for England published its draft proposal for unitary local government in Suffolk on 7 July 2008. The proposal is for two unitary authorities - one covering Ipswich and Felixstowe and one covering the rest of the county without Lowestoft. The Committee considers its proposal is most likely to achieve the outcomes on which the government has asked for advice (affordability; value for money services; neighbourhood empowerment and engagement; broad cross section of support; and strategic leadership). The Committee also saw merit in a Suffolk unitary authority covering the whole county except for Lowestoft.

Max Caller, Chair of the Boundary Committee for England, said: "The proposal takes a fresh look at local government in Suffolk. "We've spent a lot of time in the county talking to individuals and councils, and we think this proposal has the potential to offer people in Suffolk stronger local government capable of providing better and more efficient services to meet the new challenges that will face them."

Responses to the proposal can be made by writing to the Boundary Committee or on online at www.boundarycommittee.org.uk where full details of the proposal can be downloaded. The period for responses closes on 26 September.