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.

Judy Terry: In Suffolk, public services are working together to defeat gang violence

Security has tightened at nightclubs, and volunteers work with the Police to protect the most vulnerable youngsters as well as the homeless.

Judy Terry: How the Conservatives can win in the “Eastern Region”

A recent Conservative conference for the area found eagerness to discuss radical policies and to embrace innovative campaigning techniques. An encouraging sign for the local elections.

Judy Terry: We need more transparency in the crossover between the NHS and councils on social care

Publishing the data on spending and staffing would enable a full and frank debate about any reforms needed,

Judy Terry: What is the point of Health & Wellbeing Boards?

They duplicate much of the consumer champion work done by the Patients Association.

Judy Terry: Labour’s plan to revive Regional Development Agencies is flawed

Little was achieved beyond inter-authority squabbling over priorities and endless consultants’ reports. The Local Enterprise Partnerships are much better.

Judy Terry: Defeating the drug gangs in Ipswich

Councils, schools, and the police need to work together.

Judy Terry: The public sector pay cap should apply to Council chief executives too

Last year a council Chief Executive received an eight per cent rise, taking her salary to £170,000 – whilst most of her staff were stuck with the basic one per cent