Unitary Suffolk

This the first blog on the subject of a Unitary Suffolk.

Its basic aim is to create an easy to use forum to promote a single Unitary Authority for Suffolk.

Why?

Suffolk should not be split to please either the Labour Government or the various councils wishes - Officers and Councillors! If we split Suffolk, the County as a single structure will cease to exist

Why a single Suffolk Unitary?

In short, it's the simplest & cheapest option and will involve the least upheaval and cost. By integrating the 7 district and borough councils into the County Council (and vice versa), there could be the following savings and eficiencies;

- at least one layer of 'expensive' officers can be removed,
- service integration (and some centralisation),
- local delivery with existing district & borough offices,
- better public understanding, one councillor, one point of contact,
- reduction in number of councillors (from 380 to say 150),
- A single authority would have greater clout with Westminster, EEDA and Europe,
- Emergency planning would remain county-wide,
- Integration of IT and back-office functions,

These are only a few of the obvious advantages - what others can you think of?

What disadvantages are there apart from the size - a single authority covering 700,000 Suffolk residents?

We have been told the 'Status Quo' is NOT an option. If we are being forced to change, lets all agree that a Unitary Suffolk, incorporating the best bits of what went before, is our best option.

Are you listening Boundary Committee?

Please feel free to comment.

Here's to a Unitary Suffolk!

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