Predictions are preposterous as I should know given my previous results. However, I am consistently persistent.
The world is sadly a more uncertain and less stable place and will remain so in 2025. As a result more and more of us turn towards faith and mindfulness.
The 2024 landslide national election result has only so far produced flatlining economic situation. In 2025 our economic confidence and optimism will grow, interest rates will fall again slightly, house prices will increase by up to 4 per cent, but inflation will continue to rise at just below 3 per cent. All of this will be reflected in our local economy which will continue to perform well above the national trends.
Devolution will become all consuming as we move towards an ambitious agreement to devolve powers and resources away from over centralist control in Whitehall to here. Discussions will occur regarding, the benefits of devolution and in particular the role of an elected Mayor. At the same time there will be discussions about the size, shape and function of individual councils. The NHS will remain under pressure to increase its overall productivity and tis effectiveness and we will begin to see a shift towards more neighbourhood digitally driven health support and prevention.
We see a start on the creation of the Bank Quay Gateway and a new interchange railway station. However like all rail projects progress is regrettably glacial.
The Wire, under the leadership of Big Sam and his inspiring leadership team will win at least one piece of silverware. Luke Yates will be the Man of Steel 2025. Both of our football clubs continue to search for their new stadiums and one makes good progress both on and off the pitch. Luke Littler begins to assume legendary status and becomes a national treasure.
Fierce debates will continue about the drive towards a net zero economy and its short term impacts locally with the installation of additional bus and cycle lanes.
Our local bus company Warrington’s Own Buses continues to prosper and announce new routes. More effective drainage investment will become surprisingly a popular conversation as we continue to experience much wetter and warmer weather which produced the unforeseen flooding in January.
We will continue to have the best educational achievements in the North West and our two colleges go from strength to strength.
‘Weekender’ is a great success in May and leads to details about the construction of a large entertainment and conference venue in the town.
We continue to disagree about the key priorities for our town but as ever we get on cheerfully with life and continue to make this place a great place to live, work, relax and learn.