2022 has been quite a year – internationally, nationally and locally – with both lows and highs. The shadows of the tragedy that has befallen Ukraine and the death of our late Queen have been the defining events, but we mustn't forget the joy that we all got – her majesty included – from the Platinum Jubilee.

In addition there was the success of the Lionesses and a long hot summer that we will remember for many years.

At Babergh, we are nearing the end of the current four-year term and the May council elections are fast approaching. It has been a term like no other. For half of it we have had to confront the Covid crisis and respond to protect our communities and businesses. It has changed the way we work profoundly and permanently, but fortunately we now have the technology to enable this – something that would not have been available had the crisis hit us ten or even five years ago.

The usual febrile Babergh politics have unfortunately got out of hand on a few occasions and all successful candidates in the election need to be mindful of this and endeavour to conduct council business in a mature and thoughtful way. It won't be easy: there are tough financial headwinds ahead of us and the new council is going to have to make some difficult and far-reaching decisions that will not be popular. They will need careful and full explanations.

But enough of that: this the season of peace, goodwill, overindulgence … and awful jokes in crackers. Talking of which, the Hadleigh Conservatives have stolen a march with their recent newsletter to residents. They do seem to have taken inspiration from 1984 in which, I am sure readers will remember, when alliances change, history is rewritten. Simon Barrett's return to the council in May 2021 has signalled a U-turn of epic proportions and his Ministry of Truth has clearly been working overtime. They have forgotten that they were the major group in the coalition until earlier this year and supported the policies being pursued.

On the matter of support for the local economy, I do want to take the opportunity to let everyone know that earlier this month Cabinet gave final approval to the development of land we own adjacent to the A1071. There will be a retail unit, an office unit and eight light industrial units for small businesses. In addition, we have set up the 'Invest in Hadleigh' partnership, involving the Town Council, the Central Suffolk Chamber of Commerce and other organisations.

But despite Covid and now the Cost of Living crisis, Babergh has achieved a huge amount since 2019. This is all described in our easy to read and informative End of Term Report, titled 'What have we done for you?' This is a visual and colourful leaflet that is only available online to avoid expensive printing costs. 

We've faced some unprecedented challenges, but can be proud of how we stepped up to those. We've been there for residents and businesses during some incredibly tough times, and will continue to be so. But this report is not just about how we've responded to the challenges. It shows how we've improved communities and helped drive economic growth and opportunities for people too. 

The report covers the full breadth of the council's work, including economic development, planning, supporting communities and tackling climate change. 

It can be accessed from our website at Babergh District Council - What have we done for you, 2019 - 2022 report (bmsdchosting.net) and those without Internet access can view it at our customer access points at libraries in Hadleigh, Shotley and Sudbury. 

So, despite everything, Babergh is delivering lots of good things and for a cost to our residents in terms of council tax that still remains in the third quartile in the country. 

Finally, I would like to conclude by wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a happy and less eventful 2023!