In May 2023, the residents of Mid Suffolk made history by electing the first majority Green council in the United Kingdom. This electoral outcome marked a significant shift in local governance, reflecting growing public interest in environmental sustainability and social justice as central pillars of community development. The newly formed Green council has since embarked on a series of practical initiatives aimed at transforming Mid Suffolk into a thriving and sustainable area, focusing on tangible benefits for residents over political rhetoric.

One of the early measures undertaken by the council involves revitalising the local economy and community life, particularly in Stowmarket, the district’s largest town. The council has launched a £2.5 million programme dedicated to enhancing the high street and supporting smaller towns and rural communities within the district. Efforts include collaborating with landlords to bring underutilised properties and empty shops back into active use, whether through direct purchase, short-term rentals, or facilitating refurbishment that improves the appearance of shop fronts.

New entrepreneurial ventures, especially those offering novel arts, cultural, tourism, retail, and leisure experiences, are being actively encouraged. Supporting core cultural institutions, such as the Food Museum and the John Peel Centre, is also a priority. To promote sports and leisure, the council is funding facilities including a new 3G football pitch, a multi-use games area, and a mini athletics track in Stowmarket, alongside refurbishments of leisure centres district-wide. A rural sports facilities fund worth £1.5 million over two years has been launched, enabling local sports clubs to apply for project grants.

Environmental initiatives lie at the heart of the council’s agenda, with biodiversity preservation and enhancement being a significant focus. A multi-faceted approach includes a landowner engagement programme initiated in September 2024 to connect those who possess land with organisations that can assist in wildlife-friendly land management. The council is actively acquiring land parcels to safeguard priority habitats while maintaining controlled public access. These lands range from smaller plots under village stewardship to larger tracts exceeding 50 acres, often managed in partnership with groups such as the Suffolk Wildlife Trust. Additionally, the council is collaborating with stakeholders and landowners to improve the water quality of local rivers including the Dove, Gipping, Rat, and Deben, by promoting sustainable management practices.

On waste management, councillors are implementing enhanced recycling schemes aimed at significantly raising the district’s currently low recycling rates. Residents will benefit from the introduction of weekly food waste collections, facilitated by the provision of separate indoor and outdoor food waste caddies. To improve sorting and recycling effectiveness, two recycling bins will be deployed: one exclusively for paper and cardboard—which historically see higher recycling performance—and another for general recyclables that will initially accept glass and later include soft plastics and tetra-paks. The council is also exploring improvements that would facilitate recycling of small electrical items, textiles, and batteries. Special provisions will accommodate residents facing space constraints, such as through smaller bins or shared facilities.

However, the council acknowledges the complexities and challenges inherent in delivering ambitious projects. Many initiatives require cooperation with various stakeholders including Suffolk Rights of Way, Suffolk Highways, landowners, parish councils, local residents, and private contractors. Each entity has its own decision-making processes, which can extend project timelines beyond initial expectations. Despite these hurdles, councillors are diligently working to advance numerous improvements for the benefit of Mid Suffolk’s population.

The governance team recognises that as the UK’s first majority Green council, their work is under close scrutiny both locally and nationally. Demonstrating that effective, pragmatic, and community-centred policies can be executed successfully is viewed as crucial for building trust in the Green Party’s capacity to govern. The council also invites feedback from residents, which can be submitted via the Mid Suffolk District Council’s feedback page.

A follow-up article is expected to provide further insights into the council’s endeavours, particularly concerning housing policies and the development of Freeport East, suggesting ongoing attention to both environmental sustainability and economic growth.

Source: Noah Wire Services