A column by Councillor Matthew Hicks, Leader of Suffolk County Council.
Last Thursday Suffolk County Council held its Annual General Meeting, where I outlined what my administration wants to achieve over the coming year. Supporting people’s health and wellbeing, strengthening the economy, protecting, and enhancing our environment and providing value for money were at the heart of my speech to the council. They also form the centre of the council’s new ambitions for Suffolk.
Health and social care may form the greatest part of our budget, but money alone doesn’t make the difference in these areas, it is the way we work together with partners which delivers real substantial change for people. I absolutely believe that the public sector works best when it works together. I outlined my continued commitment to SEND improvement, I acknowledged the ongoing work to integrate health and social care into two new Integrated Care Systems and the successes of Cassius, the council’s digital care service which is providing new technology to people to help them stay independent for longer. None of this would be possible with the council working in isolation.
I also spoke about the Suffolk economy, I am committed to working with local businesses, organisations like the Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, and others to ensure that our economy is best placed to fulfil its potential - so that everyone benefits. We have accomplished much already, with the Gull Wing bridge construction well under way, the new freeport opportunities in Felixstowe, a new joint housing partnership unlocking council owned land to provide much needed homes, all this alongside agreement from Government to negotiate a new county deal for Suffolk, potentially unlocking millions of pounds which can then be invested across the county. But we still have ambitions in this area too, especially when it comes to improving our major route network, including the Seven Hills Junction and Melton, the A11 Fiveways roundabout and improvements to the interchange at Copdock. Regarding Sizewell, I am pleased that after standing our ground, we have been able to secure £200m of investment should the project proceed. Supporting our environment means supporting green energy – but as I have said many times, not at any cost to our communities or our environment.
We are committed to protecting our natural environment and assets, and we are ambitious for the future, ensuring generations to come get to enjoy the benefits of our beautiful county. The council has already invested £12.8M on decarbonising council owned building and assets, achieved the installation of over 100 electric car charging points across Suffolk, and planted almost 200,000 trees. Our ambitions go further, however, with new household recycling sites planned and upgrades to others already underway. I also called for more joined up thinking from National Grid and Government against the plans to build pylons across Suffolk. The rest of Britain shouldn’t benefit from the eco-friendly energy we produce at the expense of our natural environment.
None of our ambitions would be achievable without sound financial management. Providing value for money means investing in services which matter most, areas like roads and transport.
We are investing £10m in improving pavements and footpaths and £10m in tackling issues with flooding and drainage. As well as the successful programme to upgrade all 46,000 streetlights to LED. There is more to do, and I am excited to see these ambitions carried forward in a new highways contract to be in place for next year.
My speech also highlighted my concerns re the current cost of living and energy. As we have with other large national and global challenges, Suffolk’s public sector are working together to help families. The council will work with organisations drawing on their first-hand experience of poverty to do what we can to mitigate the effects. I urge anyone who is struggling to make ends meet, struggling to pay bills or to afford necessities like food to contact the Suffolk Advice and Support Service helpline on 0800 068 3131.
Finally, after two years on hold the Suffolk Show is back. I want to take this opportunity to invite you to visit our stand (Blue 192 on Flower Avenue) on either Tuesday or Wednesday next week. We have a host of free activities on offer relating to our priorities, ranging from wellbeing alpacas to our build a bridge challenge and planting station. I look forward to seeing you there and sharing more about our ambitions for Suffolk.
