DISTRICT COUNCILLOR REPORT TO EAST BERGHOLT PARISH COUNCIL
June 2026
More uncertainty over LGR
Local Government reorganisation has been called into doubt as the first act of the
new Suffolk County Council leader was to announce that the council will be
challenging the government’s decision to create three unitary authorities in Suffolk.
The challenge will come as a judicial review. To succeed, a judicial review needs to
show the decision to create the three councils was illegal, irrational, or procedurally
flawed. It will cost Suffolk County Council £100,000 to bring this legal action.
Given that the local government reorganisation will save money and that money has
already been spent on developing the new structures, it is difficult to see the point of
this legal action. If there was a case for JR, I am sure the previous Conservative
administration would have brought a case.
Finally, the new leader of Babergh District Councillor is Deborah Saw of the Green
Party. As we are a coalition led council, the leadership has been rotating on a yearly
basis. Independent John Ward and Liberal Democrat Helen Davies will be Deputy
Leaders.
I cannot describe the corrosive effect that continuing uncertainty over LGR has had
on council officers and members. To prolong that uncertainty is irresponsible and
politically motivated. Not to mention a possible misuse of public money by the
Reform Party. I hope this legal action falls at the first hurdle as it should.
Citizens Advice
Through the councils’ Community Development Fund, Sudbury & South Suffolk
Citizens Advice has been awarded £103,000. Just a reminder that the District
Council helps fund Sudbury CA so please refer residents to the service if they need
advice.
Joint Local Plan
Babergh and Mid Suffolk councils have given formal notice that they will commence
work on a joint local plan in October this year. The plan will cover the period until 2045
and will be in place in 2029. The first step now is to undertake what is known as a
‘Scoping Consultation’ which will set out a series of questions for the public and any
interested parties to answer about the places in which they live, work and visit. We
want their views on different topics including housing, employment, the environment,
and infrastructure.

We will be asking people in broad terms where in the districts they would like to see
housing development focused without using site-specific details at this stage – the
sites submitted to us through the Call for Sites must undergo further evidence
assessment before they can be considered prospective site allocations. The Scoping

Consultation started last week and will last 8 weeks. There will be further public
consultation in early 2027.

I attach a timetable for the local plan which some of you may find useful.

Simulator Van
Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Council have partnered with Eastern Education
Group to help fund a simulator van, offering young people in the area the chance to
get hands-on experiences of a variety of different job roles in construction. It will tour
local schools.
Students who get to use the van will be able to obtain advice on the construction
industry, virtually drive an excavator, bulldozer or tipper truck, and also find out about
the journey of an atom via a VR headset.
Cllr Derek Davis, Babergh District Council’s cabinet member for sustainable
economy, said:

“We know that it can be difficult to access opportunities when living in a rural area, so
the SimVan will make a real difference to those eager to learn but have difficulty with
their location or travel.”

Innovation Centre in Mid Suffolk
I know I don’t look like a character from a fairy tale, but I feel like one whenever I
attend meetings about budgets and big projects. Because I am Cinderella and my
colleagues in Mid Suffolk are indeed going to the ball. Mid Suffolk has loadsamoney
from the large development at Gateway 14. It can do so much more than Babergh;
we Babergh councillors sweep the chimney and keep the house clean but we never
get to the ball.
So building is now complete on a fantastic innovation centre in Mid Suffolk at
Gateway 14 just outside Stowmarket. And I am hoping our residents will benefit.
Sir Christopher Haworth, Chair of Gateway 14 Ltd, said:
“Reaching practical completion of the Stowmarket Innovation Gateway at Gateway
14 marks a major milestone in delivering a centre designed to drive innovation and to
develop the skills needed for the green economy.

This facility will provide businesses, educators, learners and occupiers with the
space and resources to collaborate, build expertise, and accelerate sustainable
growth. It represents a significant investment in the future of the Eastern Region and
will play a particularly important role in supporting opportunity, ambition and
prosperity across Mid Suffolk.”

The project has also been delivered in partnership with Universities of Suffolk and
Essex, West Suffolk College, Suffolk New College and Colchester Institute who will
be delivering a programme of professional development courses to address the
region’s skills gap.

Councillor Sallie Davies
Sallie.davies@babergh.gov.uk