LAST year will always be remembered for the horrific events of September 11.

It was clear that moves had to be made to prevent something similar happening in this country.

The Government implemented the Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Act despite opposition from both Tories and Liberal Democrats.

l Fresh from the mandate given to it from Labour's second landslide General Election victory in June, the Government quickly set about implementing manifesto commitments - investing in public services just as people voted for.

In the coming year, billions more will be spent on our hospitals but such a massive increase in investment can only be brought about alongside radical reform to the entire NHS.

Last week, I met doctors and local health professionals from Redditch Primary Care Group to discuss the challenges ahead. The meeting was very positive.

There will be a radical restructuring of police forces too, ensuring more consistent clear-up rates of crime, fewer days lost to sickness and, very importantly, increased pay for bobbies on the beat.

The police have done a fantastic job after September 11 in coping with the increased pressures placed upon them.

I was delighted, and relieved, to see how the whole community worked together at this time.

There was real concern across the whole country about an increase in racial tension but here in Redditch, apart from a small amount of despicable graffiti, the community pulled together.

This is also the last year of the discredited Standard Spending Assessment.

Introduced by the Conservatives in the 1990s, the formula sets national funding levels for local services.

It has disadvantaged schools and pupils across the county for years but now is set to go.

This year, under the old formula, a record 6.2 per cent increase was allocated to the county but the system remains flawed.