Updates on Stowmarket Community Progress

‘We’ve got our sovereignty back’

Suffolk Leavers Group have met monthly since the 2016 referendum vote (L-R) David Hurlburt, David Card, Wilford Arasaratnam, Stephen Britt, James Spencer, Christopher Hudson and John West

Once a month the Suffolk Leavers Group gather in Stowmarket. They started meeting six months after the EU referendum vote. They meet in the Wetherspoons where they discuss the progress made since Brexit.

James Spencer, the group organiser who works in IT, believes “we’ve got a good measure of sovereignty back and I want us to build on that”.

John West, a film producer and actor from Framlingham, agrees, saying the sovereignty of parliament is “paramount”.

“We got that back and that is the most important thing,” he says.

Suffolk businessman Stephen Britt is not as positive. “I don’t think we got anywhere near what we wanted. I feel rather let down that we have not been able to go further in extricating ourselves from the EU,” he says.

“We have to be on guard for creep back into the EU. We must avoid that at all costs.”

‘Business has become more difficult’

He has been a business owner in the town for 24 years. Asked how he felt on the fifth anniversary of the Brexit deal he says: “It has changed business and it has become more difficult.”

The Norwich Road Café in Ipswich is attached to a newly opened imported food and wine store. Both are owned by Jose Camarinha from Portugal.

Mr Camarinha has noticed a lot of the Portuguese community in Ipswich have returned home since Brexit. “There are not as many Portuguese people here, you have some in the area, but not like before.”

‘This is BRINO – Brexit In Name Only’

June Mummery from Lowestoft has been a vocal campaigner for Brexit. She was voted in as a Brexit party MEP in the 2019 European elections and is now the party chair for Reform in Lowestoft and Beccles.

“What we have is BRINO – Brexit In Name Only. We still don’t have full control of our borders, our laws and waters.

“How can we talk about Brexit when it hasn’t been implemented yet?”

‘Brexit must surely be a source of regret’

Julia Ewart is East Suffolk’s Liberal Democrat local chair. During the referendum she campaigned to remain in the EU.

Whatever your views, she says, the Brexit years “must surely be a source of regret to all of us”.

“There’s simply no sign of the promised sunlit uplands,” she adds.

“We must be honest, Brexit caused political chaos, division and upset in our country for years, and however one voted, it surely must be acknowledged that there are few, if any, benefits to leaving the EU.

“We’ve made our future more difficult, and on the world stage we’re alone. It’s time to turn the page, as I call for closer ties with the EU.”

Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.

More on this story

Brexit: What has changed in eight years?

Nearly 60% vote Brexit in Suffolk

Brexit trade talks leave firms ‘utterly confused’

Related internet links

https://www.reformparty.uk/

https://www.libdems.org.uk/

“Businesses are suffering because the A14 is not fit for purpose – constant delays, congestion, planned and unplanned maintenance work means that the A14 actually is costing businesses money,” he explained.

“It’s costing them customers, it’s costing them staff, and in the longer term as our broken down report shows it could have a major negative impact on jobs and investment for Suffolk and beyond in the future.”

Mr Simon highlighted the problem was “not just a Suffolk problem”.

“The A14 and Orwell Bridge, the Port of Felixstowe, are absolutely key nationally for prosperity in the Midlands, the North and down to London,” he continued.

“One of our aims is to emphasise to government that they cannot ignore this. It is not a little local difficulty, it is of major concern.”

Fifty one per cent of businesses surveyed for the report, titled ‘Broken Down, the economic impact of the A14 in Suffolk’, cited increased costs as a result of A14 disruption.

While 49% reported “negative impacts” on client retention and customer satisfaction.

‘Business will look elsewhere’

Stephen Britt is the chairman of Suffolk Chamber of Commerce Transport and Infrastructure Board as well as the managing director of Anchor Storage that makes use of the A14 and Port of Felixstowe.

He said incidents particularly on the Orwell Bridge had “knock-on effects” on goods in and out of the port which in turn left to customers getting “upset” when their goods were late.

“Suffolk is a great place to do business, but if the government, the county council and the highways don’t get their acts together and come up with a real plan for road infrastructure in this part of the world then I fear businesses will start looking elsewhere,” he added.

‘Invest in road system’

Mark Ling, agency director for ICE Transport haulage in Ipswich, said Suffolk needed to look at neighbouring counties like Essex and Norfolk.

He cited London Gateway Port on the Thames Estuary that became the primary port for large vessels from shipping and logistics company Maersk last year.

“We have to invest in our road systems because otherwise our jobs, our prosperity will transfer across to Essex and across to Norfolk,” he added.

‘No magic fix’

Jack Abbott, Labour MP for Ipswich, said he heard about issues on the A14 “all the time”.

He recently called for former plans for the Ipswich Northern Bypass to be put back on the agenda and also asked Prime Minister Keir Starmer to recognise the plans.

“There’s no one magic fix to this solution,” Abbott said.

“I’m a big fan of the Northern Bypass. I think it absolutely has to happen, but it will take a number of years.

“These infrastructure scheme always do – we need the money, we need the planning, we need the consent.”

‘No silver bullet’

James Cartlidge, Conservative MP for South Suffolk, added he wanted to see short-term solutions considered first.

“The striking thing about today is that for businesses the Orwell Bridge is the number one issue,” he said on the Suffolk Chamber of Commerce report.

“When it closes or there’s wind issues for example this has massive, wider impact on the roads in Ipswich.

“There is no silver bullet, but there are simple things we can do.

“I think notification could be improved so ensuring we are using modern technology to notify people as soon as possible… people know what is happening and can choose not to join the roads and add to congestion.”

It comes after National Highways data given to the BBC showed there had been a significant closure caused by collisions about every four days, on average, between 2021 and 2024.

Suffolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Tim Passmore similarly called for a lower speed limit over a 16 mile (27.74km) stretch of the road and said “something has got to be done”.

A spokesperson for National Highways previously said when collisions occurred it worked “closely with the emergency services and our contractors to ensure repairs are carried out as quickly as possible with the least amount of inconvenience”.

Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.

More on this story

Chaotic road needs speed limit trial – police boss

Bypass for town is ‘of national significance’ – MP

Traffic chaos ‘really, really bad’ for town – MP

Related internet links

Suffolk Chamber of Commerce

It’s all come about because the new government, through its English Devolution White Paper, has set out its desire to devolve powers and funding to local leaders and Mayors across the country – coupled with a widespread programme of local government reorganisation that will change the structure of councils as we know it. This is why we held an extraordinary full council meeting so that every councillor had the opportunity to have their say, and vote, on this important subject.

I believe strongly that local government reorganisation presents immense potential for the future of Suffolk, as do colleagues at Suffolk’s borough and district councils who have all signed a letter supporting the principal of devolution.

As a county, we are full of talent and ambition. Suffolk has always been visionary, innovative and focused on improving the lives of our communities and boosting economic growth.

So it is really no surprise that the government has encouraged Suffolk County Council to express interest in joining its devolution fast track programme. I have met ministers on several occasions in the past few months, and each time it has been clear that they see Suffolk as a strong, credible and ambitious place with which they can work.

I know that, for some, devolution and reorganisation is a threat – perhaps personal or political. But this opportunity is bigger than our own concerns. Councillors and political parties need to think beyond themselves and about what is best for the people and businesses of Suffolk to whom they have a duty to make the difficult decisions – even if that decision means the end of the council or councils on which they sit. Let me be clear, this isn’t a county council takeover – all local councils, county and district, would be abolished and a new unitary council or councils would be created in their stead.

Changes of this scale create an opportunity to streamline local government, empower joined-up decision-making, save taxpayers money and ensure councils are resistant to economic challenges.

These are not ‘nice to haves’ or ‘aspirations’. They are fundamental pillars of a system delivering the best possible public services, with clarity, accountability and in a financially sustainable way.

The new devolution framework, outlined in the white paper, offers more areas access to the kind of opportunities from which Teeside, the West Midlands and Manchester have benefited.

In the full and frank debate last week, many councillors focused on the confusing local government structure we have at present – with one council collecting waste and another disposing of it or one council being responsible for sweeping roads but another maintaining them. But, understandably, some of the discussion focused on the potential for Suffolk County Council’s election in May 2025 to be postponed to successfully deliver this ambitious programme. There have been a lot of inaccurate claims made, so I want to address some.

To be absolutely clear – this is the government’s policy and timetable and only the government can decide on elections. It is very clear that this is part of the package and if an area wants to join the programme and develop a business case by the government’s deadline, then the government sees a delay as necessary. This is not without precedent, having happened previously in Somerset, Cumbria and North Yorkshire when similar proposals moved forward. Last week, many councils across the country did exactly what Suffolk has done. We are not alone.

I want Suffolk to be at the front of the queue – setting the agenda on devolution – not following everyone else when identikit solutions are imposed.

This county council, and our districts and boroughs, have served Suffolk well since our local government structure was last reviewed over 50 years ago. But change is long overdue.

The structure that made sense once – no longer does now. To give just one example, it makes no sense that in Suffolk, some people have their bins collected every two weeks and others every three – just because the district council where you live has decided so. There are so many public services, like that, that can be streamlined by a simpler model of local government.

This is about seizing the opportunity to transform Suffolk and deliver the best outcomes for our communities. Politics must be put aside so we can do what is right for our county.

Share this page

FacebookTwitter

• Permanent access to the converter station site, resulting in the potential for construction traffic seven days a week
• Core working hours at the site of 7am to 5pm on Sundays and Bank Holidays, giving no respite to local residents and businesses
• The unsuitability of Benhall Railway Bridge as an access route, including the potential for dangerous queuing of traffic on the A12 during construction
• A survey of the Benhall Railway Bridge, commissioned by Suffolk Highways has highlighted significant concerns regarding its capacity to accommodate abnormal loads
• Plans to relocate of the Fromus Crossing bridge further north, with a still-expected height of up to 6 metres, are likely to result in notable impacts to heritage assets

The lack of any movement from National Grid is frustrating as we continue to press the case for a coordinated access solution between the major energy infrastructure projects in the area.

Councillor Richard Rout, Suffolk County Council’s Deputy Cabinet Member for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects

The council believes that a coordinated and integrated access solution between the major energy infrastructure projects affecting the county, including Sizewell C and National Grid, would considerably reduce many of these specific issues and community impacts.

Councillor Richard Rout, Suffolk County Council’s Deputy Cabinet Member for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects, said:

“We have no option but to continue to object to National Grid’s plans which would not only have stark environmental impact but remain wholly unacceptable to local residents and businesses.

“The lack of any movement from National Grid is frustrating as we continue to press the case for a coordinated access solution between the major energy infrastructure projects in the area, should they go ahead.

“As an example on the Sea Link project, we have repeatedly engaged with National Grid to propose alternatives to the Fromus Crossing – the plans to move the crossing, 40m to the north, will result in a greater visual impact on the key views from the south of the conservation area, the Grade II Church of St John the Baptist, and the Grade II listed Hurts Hall.

“The council also has significant concerns regarding the capacity of Benhall Bridge to accommodate the huge abnormal loads that National Grid propose. Taking this route not only risks huge delays to other traffic but the required improvements, if indeed they are possible to deliver, risk disruption on a key rail route that, as well as serving local residents, will play an important role in the construction of Sizewell C.

“We have always acknowledged the need to increase domestic energy generation and deliver energy security to the UK. But this must not happen without due consideration for our local communities.”

Suffolk County Council formally objected to National Grid’s Sea Link project in August 2024, citing the concerns above, among others.

None of National Grid’s recent changes will affect this position, and the council has outlined many more technical concerns in its latest response to the plans .

The council has also noted significant public interest in the design process of the converter station site. It urges National Grid to publish the findings of the Design Review Panel to help all concerned to understand the design approach to the converter station site.

National Grid expects to submit its application for development consent in early 2025.

“Today marks the start of arguably one of the biggest decisions this council will take in its 50 plus-year history.

“We need to think what is best for the people and businesses of Suffolk to whom we have a duty to make the difficult decisions – even if that decision means the end of the council or councils on which we sit.”

The government’s English Devolution White Paper outlines plans for broader and deeper devolution, coupled with a programme of coordinated local government reorganisation.

Key to these proposals is the restructuring of councils in two-tier areas like Suffolk, shifting from district, borough, and county councils to unitary councils. The government argues that unitary councils can deliver better outcomes for residents and save money that can be reinvested in public services.

Alongside reorganisation, the government is also proposing to create new Mayoral Authorities – with a single directly elected Mayor covering larger geographies (such as Norfolk and Suffolk) and with powers over strategic policy areas like transport infrastructure, health improvement and blue light services.

Cllr Hicks continued:

“Changes of this scale create an opportunity to streamline local government, empower joined-up decision making, save taxpayers money and ensure councils are resistant to economic challenges.

“These are not ‘nice to haves’ or ‘aspirations, they are fundamental pillars of the system delivering the best possible public services, with clarity, accountability and delivered in a financially sustainable way.

“These are the goals on which we must focus if we are to do the right thing for Suffolk.”

Suffolk County Council has now written to the government expressing its desire to be at the front of the queue for devolution and local government reorganisation. A decision is expected by the end of the month.

If Suffolk is approved as part of the DPP, more detailed proposals, engagement and Government-led consultation would follow.

Cllr Hicks continued:

“To achieve remarkable things and seize significant opportunities, you must be willing to take on potential uncertainties. I want Suffolk to be at the front of the queue, setting the agenda on devolution – not following everyone else when identikit solutions are imposed.

“The proposal to join the DPP is not just a step forward; it is a leap towards a brighter, more prosperous future for Suffolk.”

Papers for the meetings can be viewed at https://committeeminutes.suffolk.gov.uk.

They are also available to watch back on the council’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/SuffolkCC

SEND services in Suffolk are delivered by the Local Area Partnership, made up of Suffolk County Council, the Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board and the Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board, with the support of schools and colleges.

Key achievements listed within the letter include improvements in the timeliness and quality of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs); outstanding academic progress for children participating in the Raising Achievement – Delivering Better Value academic interventions; better coproduction between partners; and a significant reduction of permanent exclusions in primary schools and for children with EHCPs.

The Department for Education also outlined key areas for development including governance and use of data; ensuring that improvement work continues at pace, specifically with regard to timeliness and quality of EHCPs; achieving consistency across all families so that improvement is felt by all; and that the voice of children and young families continue to be heard at the heart of decision making.

The letter recognised that the Local Area Partnership was ‘very open about the areas it felt still needed considerable further improvement to meet the needs of all children and families more effectively and has clear plans in place for driving this’.

Cllr Andrew Reid, Cabinet Member for Education and SEND at Suffolk County Council, said:

“We are working closely with the Department for Education, which continues to offer support and expertise, while carrying out the important job of monitoring our progress.

“It is good news that they recognise the scale of our improvement and the impact we are having on children and young people across Suffolk. Improving how we deliver SEND provision is our number one priority and we continue to invest millions into getting it right.

“We acknowledge we still have work to do, and the Department for Education recognises that we have clear plans in place to drive this.”

The progress meeting with the Department for Education was held on November 4 and reviewed work over six months since the publication of the Priority Action Plan, which was agreed following the Ofsted and CQC inspection in November 2023.

This was the most formal review since the inspection.

The next progress meeting will take place in May 2025.

It brought together a rich tapestry of voices, from farmers and food producers to community activists and environmental advocates. We were united by a shared mission: to tackle food poverty, build resilient local food networks, and set Suffolk on a course to become a true Sustainable Food Place.

The Suffolk Food Summit was part of a broader £1.5 million initiative, awarded to the Sustainable Partnership for Suffolk Leadership (SPSL) to strengthen our county’s food ecosystem over the next three years. This funding supports Community Action Suffolk (CAS) and its dedicated team in delivering on-the-ground assistance for food projects, working directly with community organisations to alleviate food hardship and ensure that nutritious, local food is accessible to all. I am immensely proud to be part of this effort. It was truly heartening to witness first-hand the dedication and passion of everyone involved.

One of the primary goals of this summit was to lay the groundwork for collaboration across the food sector. Together, we explored ways to strengthen community food networks, address systemic food waste, and champion local, sustainable food sources.

Throughout the day, there were dynamic workshops, each one highlighting a different aspect of food sustainability and resilience. I was particularly struck by the “Producers’ Perspective” workshop, where Suffolk’s farmers shared their challenges and opportunities for producing food locally while balancing sustainability. Listening to them, it was clear that Suffolk has unique agricultural strengths, and with targeted support, we can bolster local production, benefiting both our economy and our environment.

Equally impactful was the workshop on “Building Healthy Communities,” where community food projects from across Suffolk shared insights on providing nutritious food to vulnerable populations. Representatives from FoodCycle and other grassroots organisations spoke about the daily hurdles they face, from securing funding to increasing access to fresh ingredients. Their stories underscored the resilience of our communities and the importance of supporting these vital initiatives.

One of the most compelling conversations centered on the pathways for young people to engage in agriculture and food production. This isn’t just about addressing today’s challenges; it’s about investing in a sustainable future. By creating programs like FarmStarts, which supports new farmers and small-scale agricultural businesses, we’re planting the seeds for a new generation of food producers who prioritise both sustainability and local resilience.

The summit revealed that there’s a deep well of interest among young people in Suffolk who want to work in food and agriculture. Our task now is to build those bridges and ensure that young people have the resources, mentorship, and opportunities to pursue careers in these fields.

The Suffolk Food Summit marked an incredible step forward, but it is only the beginning. This event will be followed by a second summit in spring 2026, allowing us to measure progress, share successes, and continue building partnerships. The roadmap we’re crafting is an ambitious one, aiming to elevate Suffolk as a beacon of sustainable food practices, environmental stewardship, and community resilience.

I would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to Community Action Suffolk, the Eastern England Local Government Association, and the Suffolk County Council officers who made this event possible. Our journey toward food sustainability requires the collective effort of all Suffolk residents.

Whether you’re a local business owner, a community advocate, or simply a concerned citizen, there are many ways to get involved. Supporting local food producers, reducing food waste at home, and volunteering with community food projects are just a few ways we can all contribute to a healthier, more sustainable Suffolk.

I look forward to seeing the progress we make over the coming years, and I encourage everyone in Suffolk to join us in this important journey.