Nationally the focus of Covid-19 within the care sector has been on care homes. In Suffolk, we recognise that the experience is the same in all care settings, including extra care housing and supported housing, although the prevalence has not been as great.

There has been a lot of news reported lately about how the Coronavirus pandemic is playing out in care homes and other residential care settings. Many people are concerned about their family members and friends who live in care homes, especially as they are unable to visit.

It is week five of lock down and for many of us who are staying safe at home we find ourselves in a new routine. Each day I appreciate how lucky I am to be able to work from home, while taking care of my elderly mother who has been staying with us for this time.

Coronavirus is having an impact on all our lives and every one of us can play an important role in looking after each other.

People often ask me why I wanted to become a councillor? And, my answer is simple.

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.