So, in theory at least, Suffolk is to be subjected to even more uncertainty about the future of arrangements for Local Government. The Government has today told Suffolk MP’s and Councils to go away , ‘think about it again’ and make up their minds about what sort of unitary system they would like.
Norwich and Exeter, it has been decreed, will be carved out as viable, Labour dominated, unitary authorities. Norfolk and Devon in all other respects will stay the same.
I believe that this has not been possible in Suffolk because the financial case for a unitary Ipswich could not be made out, and any attempt to impose this solution would therefore have been open to legal challenge.
However, since Labour is not likely to win the next election, a postponement at this stage is effectively kicking the unitary issue into the long grass.
So Suffolk seems to have seen off unitary government and Babergh looks saved for now. This is a mixed blessing for us all. Talks with Mid Suffolk DC about cost saving co-operation will now continue with more urgency.
Standing back from the parochial for a moment it must be said that, as in so many other policy areas, the mess in which Labour has left Local Government in England as a whole however beggars belief.
