Local Government Review in Suffolk -1st thoughts
The ‘Haven Gateway’(Ipswich and Felixstowe and hinterland) proposal has some merit. It is a natural travel to work area and would have much to say for it in that it would be a big enough area to achieve the necessary savings as a unitary authority.
The remainder of Suffolk Authority (minus Lowestoft) would be an authority with no natural centre. It could be made to work, now that Lowestoft would not be part of it as it would be an authority comprising the market towns and rural villages of Suffolk. No one town would dominate it.
I personally would have been happier with a West Suffolk authority but this is a proposal I could live with if appropriate arrangements are put in place. This authority would have 2 members per county division to create a council of about 80 Councillors. There would be about 10 area committees with 6-10 councillors on each and direct parish participation who would have much local decision making powers. The eventual presumption is for single member wards.
have your say
