COUNCILS in the region are set to formally make their initial devolution proposals — but what would multiple authorities look like in Suffolk?

Though all are set to be scrapped, Suffolk's county, district and borough councils have come up with different opinions of which solution is best to replace them.

The county council, on the one hand, believes a single unitary authority is the best way to ensure the financial sustainability of Suffolk, arguing it will deliver as much as nine times the economic advantages of a two-council solution

The district and borough councils, however, believe multiple authorities would be the best option — but what would these look like?

The two-council solution

The interim plan put together by the Suffolk's district and borough councils states as many as seven different models of delivering the Government's plans were considered.

Of these, the best way to split the county into two unitaries would have seen an 'east' and 'west' separation with population sizes 'well above' the average for other unitary authorities.

The eastern authority would represent around 386,478 people based on 2023 data, predicted to grow to 416,437 by 2043 — in the west, the authority would represent 389,964, predicted to grow to 410,043.

The Government's devolution white paper outlined a preference for unitary authorities to represent at least 500,000 people, but included exceptions where it made practical sense.

 To ensure appropriate representation, between 84 and 86 councillors would be elected.

This option, the report said, would separate an eastern portion of the county connecting the coast and provide greater focus on trade, tourism and energy creation.

The western authority would, instead, be able to address an economy focused on agriculture, agri-tech, manufacturing and economic connections between key towns and into the Cambbridge subregion.

Though based on existing district boundaries, the change would still require a boundary review to the west and north of the current Ipswich Borough Council boundary.

The three-council solution

Similar to the previous option, this solution would include 'east' and 'west' authorities while creating a separate Greater Ipswich unitary, something councillors across the borough have already voted to support.

Based on the same population estimates, the Ipswich authority would represent around  259,652 people, to grow to around 320,693 in about 20 years.

Meanwhile, the eastern authority estimates are for 261,213 people, growing to 293,984 constituents, while the western authority would represent 255,577, growing to 311,156 people.

As many as 58 councillors would be elected per authority.

The report states the east and west focuses would remain intact, addressing the needs of local communities, while providing opportunities for the economic growth of Ipswich by connecting it to its functional economic area, rather than relying on a boundary set in 1836.

It added this option would be in line with the expected number of constituent authorities representing Norfolk.

For this option to be implemented, a wider review would be needed to create each unitary council's new boundaries.

What now?

All councils wanting to share their preferred option are due to submit their initial proposals.

County councillors will be discussing the one-authority option later today, ahead of a cabinet meeting next week.

Similarly, all district and borough councils are scheduled to discuss their preferred options next week.

The deadline for interim proposals to be submitted to the Government is Friday, March 21.

More detailed proposals will be submitted in September.