You may have seen in the news that the Government is changing local government arrangements in Suffolk. Instead of Suffolk County Council, Ipswich Borough Council and four District Councils covering Babergh and West, East, and Mid Suffolk, there will be three unitary councils. Ipswich will be covered by a new Ipswich and South Suffolk Council. The government aims to give communities more local decision‑making power and to simplify how local government operates. Considering these changes, Ipswich Borough Council wants to ensure that Ipswich does not lose its identity, and that strong community engagement, local democracy and effective local services are maintained for Ipswich.

To help achieve this, we are carrying out a Community Governance Review (CGR). This review looks at how communities in Ipswich are represented at a local level, including the role of town or parish councils. It considers whether current governance arrangements, structures and boundaries are working effectively for residents.

In stage one of our consultation, when asked “Do you think Ipswich should have a town/parish council?”, 83% of respondents said yes, and 77% stated a preference for a single council.

Your feedback will play an important role in shaping the council’s recommendations for any future changes.

Stage Two: Your views on a Town Council for Ipswich
This public consultation will run from 15 May 2026 to 21 June 2026. Feedback gathered during this period will inform a report to be considered by Ipswich Borough Council at a Full Council meeting later in 2026.

This consultation should take no more than 5 minutes to complete, and for more information about this consultation, please visit: Ipswich Community Governance Review

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