What is LGR?
Local government reorganisation, or LGR, is a process where the structure of local councils is changed, often involving the creation of new unitary authorities or combined authorities.
This can mean merging existing councils, redrawing boundaries, or shifting responsibilities. The aim is to create more effective, efficient, and sustainable local government structures, particularly in areas with two-tier systems (county and district councils) or where existing unitary councils are struggling.
What is devolution?
Devolution is the transfer of power and responsibility from central government to regional or local authorities. It is a form of decentralisation, where local leaders gain more control over specific areas like transport, housing or healthcare.
What is the current timeline for changes in Suffolk?
Suffolk is part of the priority programme and currently (July 2025) detailed business plans in relation to local government re-organisation have to be submitted to government by district, borough and county councils by 26th September 2025. These proposals will suggest either one, two or three unitary authorities across Suffolk to replace the current two tiers that sit above the town and parish council and parish meeting grass roots layer.
What about elections?
Government postponed the 2025 County Council elections and it is proposed that in May 2026 there will be an election to appoint a new joint Mayor covering Suffolk and Norfolk.
Were there interim plans submitted to Government?
Yes in March district and borough councils submitted proposals for "more than one" unitary authority and the county council's proposal was for one unitary.
View the collaborative interim proposals by district and borough councils here.
View the single unitary interim proposal by the county council here.
Did Government give any feedback on these?
Yes they wrote to all parties and you can view the letter here.
What about devolution - was there a consultation?
Yes there was a consultation earlier this year and SALC hosted a webinar where MHCLG provided an outline of the plans. You can view a recording here.
Is there a summary of what the feedback was?
Yes MHCLG have shared with us details which can be found here. SALC submitted representations
So are things going ahead for a joint Mayor?
Yes on 17th July this press release confirmed it was "full steam ahead."
Have SALC made representations to Government?
Yes we submitted a response to the Government's consultation on devolution and you can view our submission here.
We have also written to Government generally to ensure that there is community engagement with future plans in line with good practice and suggested some mechanisms which have been used elsewhere. You can view our letter here.
SALC did a survey to members, what were the results?
Our survey was to establish some data and also gather views so far to help us make representations on your behalf and inform future strategies. A copy of the summary of that survey including open-ended comments can be found here.
Where can I find the original White Paper on this?
Access the Government White Paper - "Power and Partnerships : Foundations for Growth" here using this link.
There is a draft Bill - what does that do?
On 10th July the Government published the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill which is proposed legislation that will take forward aspect of the English Devolution White Paper published in December 2024. It aims to establish a more consistent and simpler model of devolution than current legislation allows, establishing a standardised framework of devolved powers, duties and functions, reforming the local government sector and empowering communities. The National Association of Local Councils (NALC) have produced an initial summary which can be viewed on their website using this link.
Speakers at SALC area forums - are there recordings?
Yes, in March Suffolk County Council came to our area forums and East Suffolk and Babergh/Mid Suffolk came to our June area forums. West Suffolk held an in-person parish liaison meeting and we had a representative from the Board present. You can watch the recordings, read the notes using this link.
What information is there about asset transfers?
We know early discussions are happening in relation to interest in asset and service transfer. This is seen as good practice to help determine how local authorities can most effectively manage local assets in future arrangements. Some larger councils are ambitious in this regard and might have business plans that identify priorities. Sharing our research:
What is SALC doing in relation to working with Norfolk?
We are meeting with the Norfolk Association of Local Councils (Norfolk ALC) in early August to consider opportunities for collaboration in relation to the joint county mayoral strategic authority. We want to avoid duplication and make strong representations on behalf of almost 1,000 town and parish councils and parish meetings across our counties.
How can we keep engaged with the process?
One of the biggest challenges across the UK is maintaining interest and engagement in the LGR and devolution process. We have noticed parishes on social media encouraging people to do surveys, articles for local newsletters, open meetings where district and county are presenting the facts.
Final detailed businesses cases on LGR
We have invited district, borough and county councils to our area forums being held in September. This is your opportunity to hear from one after the other about their detailed plans. We would also encourage you to watch live streams or attend full council meetings where final proposals will be debated at district, borough and county council. We have shared links to these in our recent newsletter to councils.