Where did all the money go?

From a regional affairs point of view, and that's what you all came here for, 2009 has seen a bloodless coup at the Association of North East Councils, more jobs going at regional arts bodies and a Tory council on Tyneside.

We were wooed by the promise of thousands of jobs at Newcastle Science City, in the new wind sector and in hopes, as yet unfunded, of a conference centre in Gateshead.

But the overriding feeling from the provinces was one of constant waiting.
We waited, and still are, for the Government to say how much money will be cut from public spending.
We waited, and still are, for the Government to be honest and say where and when a new High Speed Rail line will come.
And we waited, and still are, to see just how many of our MPs would step down in light of expenses scandal.

That's hardly unique to 2009, but there is a sense that 2010 will see a lot of broken hopes as the cash finally runs out and the future of development agency One North East is decided. The councils here are a significant part of the economy, and if they are getting rid of staff expect to see millions wiped off that economy and a terrible knock on effect for private companies.

Roll on 2011 then.