Suffolk's Conservative MPs have written to the county council asking for town and parish councils to be protected in the devolved future of the county.
Nick Timothy, MP for West Suffolk, James Cartlidge, of South Suffolk, and Central Suffolk and North Ipswich's Patrick Spencer have collectively written to Tory council leader Matthew Hicks and cabinet member for devolution Richard Rout asking for certain assurances as devolution pushes on.
Their wish is that the council ensures that town and parish councils are protected in whatever new shape local government takes - amid plans by the UK government to do away with two-tier councils.
In their letter, the trio wrote: "The proposals to change our council structure could done properly bring more efficient local government, improve transparency and accountability, and still give local residents more power over life in their local communities.
"Done badly, however, there is a risk that the change might mean important decisions are taken even further away from residents, and in a way that leaves them with less power than before.
"This is why we believe it is vital that any money saved through local government reform must remain in Suffolk.
"And it is why, as part of the reform, we believe we need clear and binding commitments about the powers and budgets of parish and town councils."
They would like to see a space where the community councils could have a say in their planning applications, flood prevention and road safety.
The MPs had also previously met with Mr Hicks and Mr Rout to discuss devolution plans, and said that they would be happy to meet to further discuss how these projections can be made.
Suffolk County Council is currently looking to build one unitary authority for the entire area, which it says would be the only form to save money.
On the other hand, the district and borough councils are looking to build two or three local councils in Suffolk.
Published by the East Anglian Daily Times.
