When I worked as an investment analyst at this time of the year I used to have to write a ‘year ahead’ piece in which I would try to predict what was going to happen to my group of companies over the next 12 months.
Luckily these exercises in crystal ball gazing were generally taken with something of a pinch of salt, but since old habits die hard I thought I would have a stab at some predictions for 2009, so here goes:-
Firstly, I think that, despite the worsening economic situation, the Boundary Committee’s plans for Unitary councils going forward will be confirmed. My best guess is that the 2 unitary option will be chosen by Hazel Blears (although if she really wanted to save money she would go for One Suffolk).
Secondly, in part due to the above, the Belle Vue controversy will quietly fade away in the short term at least. It is unlikely however that this underperforming, publicly owned, asset will be allowed to remain undisturbed forever.
Thirdly I think that Bretts will decide to appeal against the second refusal of Planning permission for a quarry at Chilton. They will lose however since for once common sense will prevail!
Fourthly, the Sudbury Car Parking row will rumble on and gradually die. Most of the most egregious mistakes have now more or less been addressed. The lack of long term car parking provision in Sudbury that has been revealed by the exercise will become less apparent as the economic recession bites and there is less demand for spaces. Car Parking charges will not be introduced in 2009.
Finally Babergh will set Council Tax increases at between 2 and 3 percent, which will be higher than the rate of inflation. (Too high in my opinion, but, as mentioned on the blog at the end of 2008, the Council is suffering some cost pressures that are peculiar to itself)
In the world outside Babergh my main concern is that in the current economic climate charities are likely to find it very difficult to attract adequate funding. Some may be forced to close and others to cut back their activities. I am very concerned about this, and hope that all who can will continue to support their favourite good causes. The situation is not improved by the amount of lottery money that is being absorbed by the 2012 Olympics. This behemoth is draining cash from areas such as the arts at a time when people desperately need to have their spirits raised.
