Judy Terry: Under Labour, sports facilities in Ipswich are under threat
Bringing services together under one roof would be enormously beneficial, both financially and socially.
Posts by Judy Terry
Judy Terry is a journalist and marketing professional. She was a Suffolk councillor for 10 years, four of which on the County as Cabinet member for Economic Development, and 10 on Ipswich Borough Council, where she transformed cultural services. She stood down in May this year.
Judy Terry: Councils need to show leadership in ensuring sprinklers are installed
We must take responsibility for public safety – to protect people, homes, businesses, and schools.
Judy Terry: County councils can also help ease the housing shortage
A more collaborative approach with the districts over planning approval could avoid unnecessary complexity and delay.
Judy Terry: Arts subsidies are too Londoncentric
Huge funds are handed over to prestige schemes in the capital. But modest funds for projects elsewhere would provide better value.
Judy Terry: With eighteen pubs a week closing, community life is under threat
Council planning officers impose extra costs, which make it harder to restore redundant buildings.
Judy Terry: Delays and secrecy in planning policy only adds to the chaos
The people of Suffolk are not “nimbies”. But ignoring concerns about traffic congestion and ugliness achieves nothing.
Judy Terry: Councillors are still too passive in allowing costly procurement and infrastructure projects
There remains a culture in much of the public sector that no-one will ever be held to account for wasting money on unworkable vanity projects.
Judy Terry: Councillors must challenge the poor performance of mental health services
Norfolk & Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust is officially the worst mental health provider in the country. Proper scrutiny and accountability is needed.
Judy Terry: While the state is failing, the voluntary sector is tackling the loneliness and anxiety – of young and old
Many if Suffolk are left isolated by poor transport. Charities are effective at helping, where councils and the NHS have struggled.
Judy Terry: To defeat crime, councillors need to listen to youth charities and park friends
Helping others who are desperate to improve their lives is essential. Otherwise we will have more “no-go areas”.
Judy Terry: Slashing red tape would mean more Suffolk homes
Here is one firm’s account of how unnecessary costs and delay in the planning system holds them back. Timescales promised by councils are not honoured.
Judy Terry: The Government is right to give Local Enterprise Partnerships more backing
Labour’s Regional Development Agencies were a failure. But the successor bodies are proving much more effective.
Judy Terry: Why are there no empty shops in Berlin?
It has virtually zero business rates for small firms. The planning system is less skewed towards shopping centres and retail parks.
Judy Terry: Debt collection is getting out of control
Many householders are sent threatening letters for money owed by previous occupants. Local authorities are among the culprits.
Judy Terry: Next year will see the creation of West Suffolk Council – offering a better deal for residents
It will be a strong voice for an area with a growing population. Providing new housing and infrastructure is essential for it to thrive.