Ipswich authority suggested after devolution announcement. A local businessman urges nearby towns to consider joining.
Kesgrave isn’t happy with the “Greater Ipswich” idea. Mark Ling thinks people should consider it anyway. He directs I.C.E. Transport in Ipswich. Mark Ling asks nearby towns to be open-minded.
He mentions Kesgrave, Martlesham, and Felixstowe specifically. They all share many resources. He lists things like the hospital and Orwell Bridge. Also, they use similar roads, buses, and schools. They share police services too.
Ling feels Lowestoft’s issues differ too much from theirs. He believes they can shape their local government. It’s a great chance. He admitted the plans are new. The council has not yet stated the following actions.
Suffolk and Norfolk have fast-track devolution plans. There will be a mayoral election in May 2026. Existing councils will cease to exist. They will be gone by 2027. Unitary authorities replace them all.
Neil MacDonald leads Ipswich Borough Council. He wants power and funding moved locally, not to Westminster. The new authority could help Ipswich. Local control could manage projects better. He cites the Garden Suburb and Northern Bypass.