Lower tier council leaders in Suffolk have published local government reorganisation proposals for establishing three unitary authorities despite claims they are ‘unworkable’.

The three proposed unitary councils would each cover a region anchored by one of Suffolk’s largest towns: Bury St Edmunds, Ipswich and Lowestoft.

The five district and borough leaders argued the proposal meets the Government guidance that the new council areas have a ‘clear rationale’, are ‘sensible economic areas’ and have ‘sensible geographies’.

They also said it would deliver value for money, citing analysis by the accounting firm KPMG which estimated the model could unlock £34m in annual savings.

‘Chaotic, Confusing, and Ultimately Unworkable.’

The three-council proposal is opposed by Suffolk County Council, which supports a single unitary authority covering the county.

Cllr Richard Rout, Suffolk County Council’s cabinet member for devolution, local government reform and NSIPs, described the proposal as ‘chaotic, confusing, and ultimately unworkable.’

‘The districts and borough have finally given into pressure to publish their plans, but what they have brought forward just means three sets of salaries and the same old story from local government,’ he said.

‘I remain as convinced as ever that One Suffolk is the only solution with the best interest of Suffolk’s residents at its heart.’

‘Genuine Local Delivery’

The district and borough leaders dismissed the idea of a single unitary authority as a ‘mega council’ and argued three unitaries would be ‘big enough to deliver, local enough to care.’

In a joint statement they said: ‘People across Suffolk are proud of where they live, and they want decisions made by those who understand their communities.’

The statement continues: ‘The Three Councils For Suffolk proposal delivers just that. It offers a balance between strong councillors’ leadership and genuine local delivery, ensuring that our towns, villages, urban centres and coastlines and the communities and businesses within these areas, all get the attention they deserve.’