CONCERN has been raised about the future of Ipswich should a single unitary authority for the county go ahead after it emerged the town would be known as Community Board 15.
CONCERN has been raised about the future of Ipswich should a single unitary authority for the county go ahead after it emerged the town would be known as Community Board 15.
As part of a shake-up of local government in Suffolk opposing sides of the unitary campaign are making their final submissions to boundary chiefs today.
Supporters of a two-way split that would see new North Haven and rural Suffolk council's say they fear a possible alternative - a single council for the whole of Suffolk - would mean a massive loss of power for Ipswich.
Instead of having a borough council, Ipswich would become Community Board 15, made up of representatives accountable to county supremos.
A spokesman for Ipswich Borough Council said he feared many people in the town do not realise the potential implications of a One Suffolk unitary council.
He said: “We are deeply concerned that Ipswich will be downgraded from a borough to Community Board 15.
“We don't think that's right and don't think Ipswich people know that is the proposal.
“It wouldn't have the powers that the borough council has at the moment and will be answerable to the giant executive.
“We are alarmed that the whole idea of local decision making would be lost.
“People only have until Friday to get their views in to the Boundary Committee.”
Suffolk County Council say community boards will “empower local representatives to determine what they want for their area and how it would work”.
A spokesman said: "The Community Boards will put real power into the hands of local people, giving them control of funds with which they will be able to shape the future of their own communities.
“The collective strength of the Community Boards across Suffolk (of which there are likely to be around 20) will ensure that their voice will be clearly heard and acted upon by the single authority.”
For more information on the proposed changes or to participate in the consultation visit the Suffolk Structural Review pages of the Boundary Committee website, or e-mail reviews@boundarycommittee.org.uk.
n. Do you agree with the proposal? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or email eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk
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