Yesterday, the Government withdrew its decision on Local Government Reorganisation in Suffolk while it carries out a review of the LGR programme.

Following updated legal advice, ministers say they are reviewing plans to ensure the process is robust. The review will include decisions on Essex, Hampshire, Norfolk and Suffolk, which have been withdrawn in light of new legal advice. 

Plans for 14 other areas, along with Cambridgeshire & Peterborough and West Sussex, will also be reviewed and paused while this is carried out.

So, local elections in May 2027 will be district elections and go ahead on existing council boundaries.

You can read more details about today’s announcement in a letter sent to council leaders by Jim McMahon, minister for local government, devolution and regional growth.

Messages from: 

Cllr Andy Mellen, Mid Suffolk District Council leader

Cllr Deborah Saw, Babergh District Council leader

STATEMENTS ISSUED TO MEDIA

Cllr Deborah Saw, Babergh District Council leader, said: “The Secretary of State is right to point out the enormous amount of work that councils like our own in the priority areas have done to prepare to become unitary councils. The added pressure that had been put on councils has been immense but the  opportunity to transform public sector services at the level that most residents interact with them must not be lost.  The only good thing that has come out of this sorry situation is how well the Suffolk districts and borough have worked together to  put forward new ways of working and innovative ideas. This must and will continue.

“We note the Secretary of State’s words that the Government wants to ensure effective and sustainable local government but rural areas must not be disadvantaged as funding and resources are targeted at metropolitan areas.”

Cllr Andy Mellen, Mid Suffolk District Council leader, said: “Whilst it is incredibly disappointing to have yet another change of direction from the government, we do now apparently have clarity for the immediate future: next May will be an election to the existing districts, and gives an opportunity for councillors to stand on their record of delivering for local residents.

“Councillors and officers may be suffering whiplash from these sudden changes of direction – I agree with the overall thrust of devolution but we must have due process and clarity about what this means for communities across Mid Suffolk.”