Unitary status a 'waste of money'

Ipswich council is bidding to be awarded unitary status

Ipswich Borough Council's bid to become a unitary authority has been labelled "a waste of money" in further criticism by Suffolk County Council.

The county council said its residents could be left to foot a multi-million pound bill, impacting on services, to pay for the change of status.

Last week, its trading standards office said a change would see service levels cut for Ipswich residents.

The borough council accused the county council of "scaremongering".

Jeremy Pembroke, leader of Suffolk County Council, said: "Suffolk County Council and Ipswich Borough Council are united in wanting the best for the people of Ipswich and Suffolk - be in no doubt of that.

'No benefit'

"What divides us is whether the unitary Ipswich council proposal is the best solution.

"In our view these proposals simply do not stack up - they will not improve public services, they will not deliver value for money, they will not benefit the people of Ipswich or the people of Suffolk."

Mr Pembroke's comments came ahead of a county council meeting to discuss its formal response to Ipswich's unitary status bid on 24 May.

The county council said its figures show the change of status would cost £43m over five years.

But Liz Harsant, leader of Ipswich Borough Council, said: "The county council is scaremongering with the claims and we need to remember that none of their figures have been checked.

"The truth is that the cost of establishing a new council will be re-paid within four years and annual savings will bring a reduction in the council tax bill."

The government is seeking views on Ipswich's bid for unitary status until June.