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.

The local elections revisited: an analysis of results in the East of England

Yet more triumphs for clusters of independents. Essex Man may have lost enthusiasm for the Conservative Party but not for Conservative principles.

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: Council Taxpayers in Suffolk deserve better value and greater fairness

There is a lack of proper financial management or scrutiny – while second home owners can dodge paying Council Tax by registering properties as holiday lets.