FAQs
In 2021, a public survey found that many Ipswich residents and local businesses said they were undecided on whether Ipswich should become a city, because they didn’t understand what city status could mean. On this page, we have answered some frequently asked questions about city status for Ipswich.
If you have your own question, or would like to send us a comment, please use the submission form below.
What’s the point?
There is so much that city status can add to a place. Whilst the individual benefits can be difficult to quantify, the overall ‘point’ of achieving city status is simple: to make Ipswich better for everyone, for the future. You can read more about the benefits on our Key Benefits page.
But Ipswich is a town?
We understand that, for many, there is a worry that city status would change the local identity of Ipswich. This ‘town-ness’ is rooted in our everyday language for Ipswich: it’s our town, the county town of Suffolk, we go into town, we watch Town play at Portman Road.
However, this adjustment in language and mindset would be the only change in local identity. City status wouldn’t make Ipswich any less Ipswich, it would create opportunities to make the Ipswich we are proud of even better - and the things we love, even greater.
Can Ipswich be a city if it doesn’t have a cathedral?
It is a common misconception that a cathedral defines, or is a requirement for, a city. There are many cities in the UK that don’t have a cathedral, for example: Bath, Cambridge, Leeds and Wolverhampton. In the 21st Century, a university is a more accurate indicator for a city as there are more universities in UK cities than cathedrals.
‘City status in the UK can be associated with having a cathedral or a university, a particular form of local government, or having a large population. Historically, cities were settlements with a cathedral, and those places remain cities. Therefore, many settlements that are now comparatively small, such as Ely, Wells, or Salisbury, have long had city status. A cathedral is not a requirement for city status to be conferred; Birmingham was the first town without a cathedral to become a city, in 1889. [Source: commonslibrary.parliament.uk]
How much does it cost?
There are no official fees to make a bid for city status. However, there will be some minor costs to create the research and application collateral required for a successful bid. Any minor fees will be picked up by the Community Improvement District (CID) Company, Ipswich Central.
Does it mean the football club will need to change its name?
There is no requirement for ITFC to change their name if Ipswich was granted city status.
Does council tax go up with city status?
Winning city status does not lead to increases in council tax or business rates
Will city status mean that local prices go up?
Winning city status does not lead to increases in local prices; inflammatory price increases are down to the local and national economic climate.