Unitary councils plan is tabled

The council wants three new unitary authorities in Suffolk

A council leader is backing a plan for three unitary authorities in Suffolk.

Ray Herring, leader at Suffolk Coastal, said most local councils want the county divided into three even though they disagree on proposed boundaries.

"Five of Suffolk's seven districts and boroughs want three councils, rather than two," he said.

The Boundary Committee for England wants one for Ipswich and Felixstowe and another for the rest of Suffolk with Lowestoft moved into Norfolk.

Mr Herring said: "We have not been able to agree the future shape of the unitary council around Ipswich."

Suffolk Coastal want Felixstowe and Kesgrave to be part of an East Suffolk authority, rather than become part of a unitary Ipswich council.

"We have revisited the Ipswich boundaries and have made suggestions we believe are sensible and workable," he said.

Suffolk Coastal is pressing ahead with its own proposals for three councils.

"It will submit to the Boundary Committee by 26 September and will be based on the structure of East Suffolk, West Suffolk and Ipswich and South Suffolk councils," said Mr Herring.