Judy Terry: Councils must curb their mania for imposing new rules

Suffolk County Council demanded a hedge be drastically cut back – destroying a blackbird habitat and flowers that attracted bees.

Judy Terry: Defeating the scourge of litter is just one example of the power of volunteering

Local authorities should do more to recognise and encourage volunteers – who provide services worth billons of pounds.

Judy Terry: The pandemic has made waste disposal more challenging

Face masks are destroying the environment. Social distancing rules have disrupted visits to recycling centres.

Judy Terry: Don’t neglect Suffolk in the vaccination programme

If the county continues to be neglected, the local elections could prove something of a shock.

Judy Terry: Proposal for a Suffolk Freeport

Linking the Ports of Felixstowe and Harwich would create a strategic hub linking the UK with suppliers and customers across the globe.

Judy Terry: The demands to make car travel more expensive ignore the political and economic realities

Will council employees have their already generous mileage allowances raised to cover the extra costs?

Judy Terry: The East of England Ambulance Service needs to be put under new management

“Special measures” are ineffective unless the failing culture is challenged. Local accountability is lacking.

Judy Terry: Local authorities should be promoting the armed forces as a career choice

Unlike independent schools, there is a reluctance in state schools to encourage careers in the Services, which then impacts on diversity.

Judy Terry: The danger to the Government in next year’s local elections from angry voters

The Government must improve its communication, avoiding bluster and phrases that patronise the public.

Judy Terry: Banks must be part of the high street revival

Councils should do more to share premises, such as libraries and office reception areas. So should post offices.

Judy Terry: Councillors should do more to recruit school governors

Finance, legal, and property expertise are often in short supply on governance boards, yet that knowledge is key to professional school management.

Judy Terry: Suffolk has shown has small charities can make a big difference in helping the vulnerable

A Community Foundation in the county helps the old with insulation improvements and the young to turn away from knife crime.

Judy Terry: The increase in cycling poses safety risks

Too many have non-existent brakes and inadequate lights. We need courses in public parks to ensure roadworthiness and proficiency.

Judy Terry: Proper accountability is needed for the East of England Ambulance Service

Experienced paramedics are refusing deserved promotions because they don’t want to be part of existing management.

Judy Terry: West Suffolk is showing the way on apprenticeships

Retraining older workers wishing to renew their careers, is a priority. There is a lot of hidden talent.