Voters will go to the polls next week to elect councillors for the first wave of unitary councils. Elections will be held in Durham, Northumberland and Cheshire for new councillors who will form shadow authorities until the new councils start in April 2009. Writing in The MJ this week,Ipswich BC chief executive, James Hehir, sets out the case for splitting Suffolk into three unitary authorities (p19). ‘The three-unitary option has the support of some of the other districts, and we believe reflects the sense of place and natural communities of Suffolk,' said Mr Hehir. ‘There are three basic options relating to boundary increase, and these will be firmed-up over the next few weeks. But, basically, all of them would fall within the east/west and greater Ipswich model for Suffolk. ‘Obviously, having only three new unitary councils replacing eight existing local authorities will result in economies, but at the same time, with strong community identity and leadership which is clear and accountable.' The Boundary Committee will produce a list of options for the future of local government in Devon, Norfolk and Suffolk in July.
