Should Ipswich Have a New Town Council? Have Your Say in the Community Governance Review
Big changes are on the horizon for local government in Suffolk. The Government is planning to replace Ipswich Borough Council, Suffolk County Council, and all district councils in Suffolk with one or more “unitary” councils. Proposals for either a single council for Suffolk or three councils have been submitted for government consideration, with changes expected to take place by 2028.
Whatever the outcome, the unitary council area that includes Ipswich will be larger than the current Ipswich Borough boundaries. This raises an important question: how can Ipswich ensure it retains a strong civic identity and local representation when the bigger councils take effect?
Introducing the Community Governance Review
Ipswich Borough Council took a proactive step at its meeting on 24th September 2025, deciding to carry out a Community Governance Review. This review aims to explore options for Ipswich to maintain its local civic role, including having a Mayor and ensuring Ipswich residents enjoy “hyper-local” representation similar to the rest of Suffolk’s communities.
The review will consider all aspects of local community governance for Ipswich. A key question is whether Ipswich should establish a new town or parish council. These councils represent the most local form of government and usually consist of elected councillors making decisions in a committee style. They have elections every four years and manage services that locals care about, such as cemeteries, public toilets, play areas, allotments, and community events.
Different Types of Local Councils
It’s useful to know there are different types of local councils including Town, Parish, Community, Neighbourhood, and Village councils. Each varies in size and responsibilities they oversee. Other councils in Suffolk already manage a range of important local facilities and amenities that support community engagement and wellbeing.
How You Can Get Involved
The Community Governance Review opens with a public consultation running from 13th October to 15th December 2025. This first consultation seeks thoughts and ideas from residents, local businesses, community organisations, and other groups about the future of Ipswich’s local governance.
A second consultation will follow from late January to late March 2026 to focus on proposals shaped by the council that reflect the first round of feedback.
Those interested can take part in the consultation online at Ipswich Borough Council’s official site: www.ipswich.gov.uk/community-governance-review. If you prefer, you can request a paper consultation form by calling 01473 432000. There will also be an in-person consultation event that will be advertised soon.
Join Local Conversations and Stay Connected
This is a significant moment for Ipswich to influence how our community’s voice and identity are preserved in future governance arrangements. Whether you live, work, or have roots in Ipswich, your views matter.
To stay informed and engaged with what’s happening across Ipswich, you might also be interested in community groups and organisations listed in the Ipswich.love directory. For instance, groups like the Friends of Christchurch Park or creative organisations such as The Saints CIC showcase the vibrant community spirit that makes Ipswich special.
Let’s come together to shape Ipswich’s future with a strong and representative local voice.
Councillor Neil Macdonald, Leader of Ipswich Borough Council, encourages everyone to participate, saying: “Anyone who lives, works, or has a connection to Ipswich can participate in the Community Governance Review. I’d encourage anyone interested in shaping Ipswich’s future to have their say.”
More Information and Resources
- Community Governance Review: Ipswich Borough Council
- National Association of Local Councils: NALC website
- Explore Ipswich local organisations via our Community Directory
Be part of the conversation—help keep Ipswich a place with a strong community spirit and local identity.
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