In his annual speech in May last year, Leader of Suffolk County Council, Matthew Hicks, announced that he was creating a new cabinet position as portfolio holder for Economic Development, Housing  and Enterprise, I was fortunate enough to be chosen to take on this vitally important role for our c

As we reach the end of not just a year, but a decade, it gives me an opportunity for a moment of reflection. So much has happened politically over the last 12 months, both locally and nationally.

By Richard Rout, Cabinet member for Environment and Public Protection

My Environment and Public Protection portfolio at the Council is incredibly diverse, it includes work with the Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service, Suffolk Trading Standards, Flooding and Planning matters.

This week you may have read news about potential cuts to the number of health visitors working in Suffolk. Unfortunately, this isn’t the whole story – not even close - so I wanted to set the record straight and explain how these proposals are designed to have a very positive impact on the lives of children, young people and families in Suffolk.