Judy Terry: The lesson of tragic fires are still being ignored
Sprinklers offer a sensible way to protect our historic buildings. But they are not being installed.
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: We need greater engagement and openness in Suffolk about Special Education Needs
Failing inspection reports on two occasions and losing 90 per cent of SEND cases taken to tribunal are worrying signs.
Judy Terry: Austerity hasn’t ended in Suffolk
Brexit and the leadership contest have reduced clarity on council finances. But the pressure to find savings is likely to continue.
Judy Terry: Health and Wellbeing Boards are failing to hold the NHS to account
Funds go to leasing expensive cars for managers – while more specialist care for our courageous servicemen and women should be made available.
Judy Terry: Suffolk is no longer a safe haven for the Conservatives
It will take time to rebuild confidence in what has become a very disappointed and sceptical electorate.
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.
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”.