Javid gives go ahead for ‘super districts’ in Suffolk

Communities Secretary Sajid Javid has backed proposals to create a new West Suffolk Council to drive prosperity, jobs and meet future challenges.

The new authority, backed by 70 per cent of residents, would replace Forest Heath District and St Edmundsbury Borough Councils in preparation for the 2019 elections. In his announcement, Javid said the new council will improve local government and service delivery in the area as well as commanding a good deal of local support.

Additionally, it is hoped that the move will generate around £800,000 in savings and efficiencies and help protect the additional £4 million of annual savings already produced by sharing services.

James Waters, leader of Forest Heath District Council, said: “We have a national reputation for being at the forefront of innovating and transforming local government. Doing what is right for our communities is always at the heart of what we do and is the reason we are creating this new West Suffolk Council. The Minster’s announcement today reinforces that government agrees with our approach which will benefit our communities, Suffolk and UK PLC. Staying still is not an option if we are to meet future challenges and better champion our communities, both locally and nationally, as well as continuing to deliver high quality services. This means we are not only in a better position to have a louder voice but a real opportunity to find even more effective ways to work more closely and support our local organisations and residents. I look forward to helping create this new single council.”