We held a SALC Super Forum on Thursday 17th September, originally set to discuss local government re-organisation in Suffolk and to assist us in our representative role on behalf of the sector.
Unfortunately following the government announcement on 7th September to withdraw the plan for three new unitary councils in Suffolk we had to re-focus this network session. It allowed us to offer the opportunity to hear from the National Association of Local Council's CEO, Jonathan Owen, who joined us to highlight key messages they had made and would continue to make to government.
The programme for the evening was split into two, with attendees joining their own district-based break out rooms allowing SALC officers to administer elections onto the Board in line with the Constitution. Current Board members had agreed to re-stand and therefore the following were nominated and duly elected for a further 12 months.
Elections onto the SALC Board
Mid Suffolk
Mark Valladares. Mark has served his four-year term as the area chairperson. We thank Mark for his commitment to the areas forum in this role.
Michelle Salazar - Chairperson of this area forum.
Tina Cooke - Vice Chairperson
We have one vacancy on the SALC Board for the Mid Suffolk District
Babergh
Jane Cryer - Chairperson of this area forum.
Helen Davies - Vice Chairperson
West Suffolk
Jane Steer - Chairperson of this area forum
Janet Davies - Vice Chairperson
Wayne Bland - Vice Chairperson
Maggie Dune - Vice Chairperson
East Suffolk
Lesley Beevor - Chairperson of this area forum
Andrew Lewis - Vice Chairperson
Kim Puttock - Vice Chairperson
Rhys Jarvis - Vice Chairperson
This means that we currently have one vacancy on the SALC Board through the Area Forum process. This is for the Mid Suffolk Area and anyone who is interested in finding out more please contact admin@suffolk-alc.gov.uk. You can read more about what this role involves by using this information link on this website.
We have two places on the Board through the AGM route. Mark Knight was nominated and elected in July 2026 onto the Board and we have a further nomination which is being considered by the Board in October. This means through this route there are no further vacancies.
We are very grateful for all the support, guidance and direction the SALC Board provides to the professional team. They represent all areas of Suffolk and help us shape the focus of our work on your behalf. The fact that we are a highly successful team is undoubtedly down to having an engaged and supportive Board. On behalf of our members we thank them all.
What next now LGR withdrawn?
SALC's CEO, Sally Longmate, opened the discussion by inviting attendees to raise questions and share any concerns about the future of local government reform.
Sally explained that, following the recent announcement regarding Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), the Suffolk Local Government Reorganisation Reference and Engagement Working Group, to which SALC had been invited, has now been stood down.
While the wider LGR process is currently on hold, SALC has adjusted its focus and is continuing to strengthen representation for town and parish councils and parish meetings across Suffolk.
SALC outlined plans to raise the profile of the sector through direct engagement with councils, stakeholders and elected representatives across district, borough and county authorities. Work will focus on highlighting the important contribution made by town and parish councils and parish meetings to local communities.
To support this work, SALC is planning two further Super Forums, expected to take place in December and February/March, avoiding the pre-election period. Guest speakers will be invited to continue discussions around the future of local government and the role of the sector.
Members were encouraged to help champion the value of local councils and parish meetings. Discussion focused on the many strengths of the first tier of local government, including its strong connection to local communities, cost-effectiveness, stability and ability to deliver practical local solutions. It was also recognised that councillors and volunteers dedicate significant time and effort to supporting their communities and should be included in discussions on issues affecting local residents.
Sally also outlined the national priorities being promoted by NALC before welcoming NALC Chief Executive Jonathan Owen to the meeting. Members were reminded that NALC's response to the recent announcement had been shared by SALC and remains available to read on the SALC website.
Jonathan reinforced the message that town and parish councils and parish meetings must continue to be actively involved in discussions around local government reform, whatever form any future proposals may take. He stressed that now is an important time to demonstrate the value of the sector and its role in representing local communities.
The discussion also touched on devolution, which may progress ahead of any future reorganisation proposals. SALC confirmed that devolution has been built into its forward planning to ensure the sector is prepared for any future developments.
In response to questions about a possible Mayor for Norfolk and Suffolk, SALC explained that previous plans had included providing opportunities for candidates to engage directly with the sector through forums and events, alongside wider public information campaigns.
The meeting concluded with recognition that Local Government Reorganisation has effectively been paused for now and may return in a different form at a later date. In the meantime, SALC will continue to focus on supporting members, delivering business as usual and ensuring that the voice and value of town and parish councils and parish meetings remains firmly in the spotlight.