Councillors approve historic devolution deal, paving the way for major investment for Suffolk
Suffolk County Council’s cabinet has voted in favour of creating a new mayoral authority for Norfolk and Suffolk - which will bring £1 billion to the counties in the next 30 years - following overwhelming support from councillors earlier today (Thursday 2 October).
The new mayoral combined county authority (MCCA) would have access to a starting annual investment fund of £37.4 million - funded by the government. This is in addition to devolved funding from Whitehall to deliver public services.
The investment fund would enable the new mayor to support a wide range of long-term, locally-driven projects that will boost economic growth, improve infrastructure and enhance the quality of life for residents. This could include transport infrastructure, housing and education and skills.
Councillor Richard Rout, Suffolk County Council’s cabinet member for devolution, local government reform and NSIPs, said:
“For too long, Suffolk, and indeed Norfolk, has been a devolution desert. Alongside local government reorganisation, this gives us a rare opportunity to reshape governance, improve the lives of our residents, and ensure that Suffolk has the strong, unified voice it needs – and deserves – on the national stage.
“Two weeks ago, we discussed our proposal for One Suffolk, a single unitary authority for our county. This sustainable model, effective delivery and credible voice is precisely what One Suffolk would deliver. It would be smarter simpler and better. It would be a strong voice for our county. And it would be the most effective partner for the new mayor.
“Through both devolution and local government reorganisation, we are re-shaping local governance in our county. We are setting up Suffolk for future prosperity and growth, and we are giving Suffolk that single, loud voice so that it can no longer be overlooked by those in Westminster.”
The proposal to establish an MCCA received overwhelming backing by councillors at the full council meeting – with 98% voting in favour of the motion.
Speaking during the full council meeting, Cllr Matthew Hicks, Suffolk County Council’s leader, said:
“This is a historic day. The scale and the impact of the decisions we make as a Cabinet is often significant – but there is something truly significant about today’s decision – that has the potential to be transformative for some 1.7 million residents in Suffolk and Norfolk.
“We have a unique deal on the table – one which binds devolution with an even bigger change in the form of local government reorganisation – to which we gave our strong backing just two weeks ago.
“By supporting this proposal, we are taking a bold step towards a brighter future for Suffolk and Norfolk.”
In the future, Suffolk and Norfolk will be able to access multi-year, cross government funding that would enhance the investment fund and enable better tailoring of that money to benefit local needs and opportunities.
Earlier this week the Suffolk Business Board gave its endorsement to the proposal to create an MCCA, calling it a ‘transformative opportunity to unlock growth’.
The Business Board, comprising leaders from key sectors across the region, is spearheading a new economic strategy aimed at accelerating inward investment, job creation and skills development.
Suffolk is one of six areas on the devolution priority programme. Alongside local government reorganisation, devolution will bring in the biggest change to local government for over 50 years.
The next step in the devolution process will be for councillors at Norfolk County Council to vote on the proposal on Thursday 16 October. If they consent, government will formally lay a Statutory Instrument, enabling the MCCA to be formed.
Elections for the new mayor would then be held in May 2026.
You can watch the cabinet meeting on YouTube at
Suffolk’s recycling centres raise half a million pounds for charity
The Benjamin Foundation, which operates re-use shops at Suffolk’s recycling centres in Bury St Edmunds and Foxhall, is benefitting from the money to provide local families with childcare, mental health, youth, family and housing support services.
The half-million-pound milestone came during the national Second Hand September campaign this year, with people pledging not to buy anything new during the month.
A key part of this success story is the repair and resale of white goods. They are collected at Suffolk’s recycling centres, repaired by The Benjamin Foundation’s skilled technicians and sold in their charity shops, giving them a second life and helping families access affordable appliances.
Councillor Chris Chambers, Suffolk County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Strategy, Planning and Waste, said:
“Suffolk continues to lead the way in sustainable waste management, and the relationship between The Benjamin Foundation and the county council’s recycling centres is helping us to protect the environment, but also supporting people too.
“It’s heartening to know that every fridge repaired and resold directly supports local young people and their families through The Benjamin Foundation’s vital services – helping them to be safe, become independent and thrive throughout their life.”
The first re-use shop opened at Foxhall recycling centre in 2016, followed by one in Bury St Edmunds in 2020.
To date, the initiative has sold over 603,000 items, generating over £530,000, with over 300 white goods sent for repair, contributing to a CO₂ saving of 8,736 kg - the equivalent of powering two family homes for a year.
Gemma Green, Reuse Development Manager for Suffolk Recycling Centres, said:
“It’s amazing how much the repair of white goods can impact our carbon footprint, but also go on to help families that might find it difficult to afford brand new appliances.”
“Although we had a successful Second Hand September, residents are invited to donate reusable items at any time. You don’t need to book a slot to visit or donate at either of the charity re-use shops, and they are open year-round.”
For more information about Suffolk’s recycling centres and re-use shops, visit www.suffolkrecycling.org.uk
Deadline approaching for secondary school places in Suffolk
This applies to children joining secondary school in the normal year of entry (Year 7). Applying after the closing date significantly reduces a child’s chances of getting a place at their preferred school.
Last year, Suffolk County Council received 7,831 on-time applications from parents and carers indicating which secondary school they would prefer their child to be educated at from September 2025 in Year 7. Of these, 92% of applicants received an offer for their first preference school and 97.5% of applicants received an offer for one of their three preferred schools.
Councillor Andrew Reid, Suffolk County Council’s Cabinet Member for Education and SEND said:
“It is important for parents and carers to complete and submit their application by the closing date of 31 October 2025 as this will give them the best chance of securing a place at one of their preferred schools. Parents and carers should carefully consider which secondary schools to apply for on behalf of their child. We recommend that they apply for more than one school, and up to three schools can be listed on the application.”
A completed application must be submitted for every child requiring a Year 7 place at a secondary school. For families who are planning to move house or think their circumstances may change before next September, it is still important to make an application on time using the child’s current address. Further information to help parents and carers with this process is available at www.suffolk.gov.uk/admissions.
Parents and carers should apply online as they will receive an email confirming that their application has been received. If they are unable to apply online, they should complete a paper application (CAF1). It is suggested parents and carers obtain proof of postage as these cannot be acknowledged.
Before making a school application, parents and carers need to carefully consider how they will get their child to and from school. Children are eligible for school travel if they attend their nearest suitable school with a place available and meet the distance criteria. This might not be the catchment area school. To find out more about SCC’s School Travel Policy please visit www.suffolkonboard.com/schooltravel.
Families who apply online will be able to log on to the Online Service on National Offer Day (Monday 2 March 2026) to see their offer of a school place. An email confirmation will also be sent on the day. For those who completed paper applications, offer letters will be sent out by second class post on National Offer Day.
Applications can be made at www.suffolk.gov.uk/admissions, where further advice and guidance is also available.
Suffolk partners with Ukrainian region of Poltava
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed today (15 October 2025) at the XR Lab at West Suffolk College in Bury St Edmunds by Councillor Matthew Hicks, Leader of Suffolk County Council, and Volodymyr Kohut, Head of the Poltava Administration.
The agreement strengthens ties between the two regions and establishes a framework for meaningful collaboration across a wide range of sectors, including:
Economic development
Education, including partnerships with agricultural and nursing colleges
Science, technology, manufacturing and advanced engineering
Agriculture and food production
Arts and culture
Renewable energy and environmental sustainability
Healthcare
Tourism
Humanitarian assistance
The agreement encourages knowledge sharing, business and educational exchanges, and joint projects that foster innovation, resilience and sustainable growth. It also commits both regions to regular dialogue, visits and ongoing collaboration to ensure the partnership continues to evolve and respond to emerging needs.
Cllr Matthew Hicks, Leader of Suffolk County Council, said:
“This Memorandum of Understanding marks a new chapter in the relationship between Suffolk and Poltava. It is a clear and heartfelt commitment to work together, to learn from one another, and to build a partnership that reflects our shared values and aspirations.
“This agreement contains practical steps that will help both our regions grow stronger. But it’s also about building connections between our communities, between our schools and colleges, between our businesses and institutions. It’s about creating opportunities for exchange, for learning and for mutual support.
“It provides a foundation on which we will build real, lasting connections, and we look forward to working closely with our Ukrainian friends in the months and years ahead.”
Volodymyr Kohut, Head of the Poltava Administration, said:
“The signing of this document is extremely important for us. Despite the challenges of war, we are looking into the future and, after the peace comes, we will have to rebuild our country.
“This will affect many areas – from agriculture to renewable energy. And your experience in their development is invaluable. Great Britain is our reliable partner. We are grateful to the UK Government and its citizens for their support and willingness to help both now and when the war is over.”
The MoU will remain in effect for five years, with both parties committed to reviewing progress and exploring new areas of cooperation as the relationship develops.
Several other local authorities have made or are making similar agreements with other regions of Ukraine.
Suffolk celebrates five years of investment in the National Cycle Network
Suffolk County Council is proud to mark five years of dedicated investment in the National Cycle Network – a key part of the county’s infrastructure supporting safer, greener, and more accessible travel for all.
In that time Suffolk County Council has secured more than £5 million to enhance the network across the county.
This work has been delivered in partnership with Walk Wheel and Cycle Trust (formerly Sustrans), the national charity responsible for maintaining and developing the Network.
Together, they have delivered improvements in signage, route safety, and connectivity - helping thousands of residents and visitors walk, wheel, and cycle more confidently and more often.
Key areas of improvement include routes from Ipswich Hospital to the Waterfront area, Nacton Road in Ipswich, Main Road in Martlesham, and areas within Woodbridge as part of the town’s active travel project.
The Network plays a crucial role in connecting Suffolk’s towns, villages, and countryside — linking historic market towns, scenic coastal paths, and rural communities.
It not only offers a low-carbon transport alternative but also encourages healthier, more active lifestyles.
Looking to the future, Suffolk County Council is excited to announce proposals for two pilot Quietways - low-traffic rural routes designed to form part of the Network and provide an even more comfortable and attractive experience for people choosing active travel.
These Quietways, funded by Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, via Active Travel England are currently being explored between Carlton Colville and Barnby, and Onehouse to Woolpit.
Councillor Alexander Nicoll, Suffolk County Council Deputy Cabinet Member for Transport Strategy, said:
“We are committed to delivering a high-quality active travel network that works for every community in Suffolk.
“These schemes align with national standards and support our long-term ambitions under the Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy.
“Whether you’re commuting, exercising, or simply enjoying the outdoors, we want active travel to be the easy and natural choice for everyone in Suffolk.”
Matt Barber, Head of Growth and Partnerships at Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, said:
“We are extremely grateful for the support shown by Suffolk County Council, and we are delighted that this commitment to improving the National Cycle Network is continuing.
“We know that across Suffolk thousands of people enjoy using the Network each year, helping to improve their health, whilst cutting congestion and carbon emissions.
“However, we also know that for many the lack of safe, accessible infrastructure is the reason they cannot regularly walk, wheel, or cycle – this is why we are delighted to be piloting two Quietway projects in Suffolk; allowing us to test out low-cost interventions as we attempt to connect up more of our villages and communities.”