3% tax rise approved by South Cambridgeshire District Council

A council tax increase of three per cent has been agreed by South Cambridgeshire District Council, despite calls for a tax freeze.

It means the ‘average’ Band D household will pay £170.31 to the authority a year - up £5. Households will pay an extra £5 or three per cent more – whichever is higher

The authority said it was setting its budget in “difficult circumstances” but said its financial position was “strong”, so it was able to approve a below-infation rise.

At a full council meeting on February 27, Cllr John Williams (Libi Dem, Fulbourn), the lead cabinet member for finance, said: “This budget is set against a challenging background for us. We have rising population, increased costs due to inflation – inflation is still increasing at over four per cent – and we have a national homelessness crisis, that crisis is affecting us.

“However, despite all of that, the plans maintain the council as one of the lowest taxing authorities in the country. We are proposing a £5 increase for the year, which works out around 10p a week.

“We are able to do that and yet still have a number of important developments within the council in investing in our communities.”

Highlighting some of the budget proposals, he said two more environmental enforcement officers will be hired to tackle fly-tipping, the fund would be increased for more neighbourhood plans to guide future development, and there would be continued support for the Homes for Ukraine scheme.

Some £519,000 was approved for digital transformation work, including the first public-facing use by the council of AI. It will be used to answer questions for residents contacting the council out of hours by the website or phone and will be capable of texting them more information.

Also in the budget is funding for Northstowe’s sustainable community centre, due to open by spring 2026, the continuation of pink recycling banks for small electricals and support for a fourth electric bin lorry.

Cllr Heather Williams (Con, the Mordens), leader of the Conservative opposition, said there were items her group supported but added: “For a lot of residents council tax is the highest bill after their rent or mortgage. We cannot resolve every issue at district level but we can show solidarity and play a part.

“We are proposing to freeze the council tax because we feel it is important to support everybody. A lot of people are struggling for the first time perhaps in their lives.

“It just rubs salt in the wounds to see council tax going up particularly when controversial things such as the four-day week are put into play.”

Cllr Williams said the Tories wanted to more planning enforcement officers hired, as well as additional environment enforcement officers, as the two due to be recruited will mean only three for the district in total.

Cllr Williams said the proposals could be funded from money being used for the council’s transformation plans and by scrapping its four-day week trial.

Council leader Cllr Bridget Smith (Lib Dem, Gamlingay) said the suggestions were “irresponsible”.

She said: “It is not self funding. It would result in a reduction of services and a reduction in our ability to make realistic savings.”

She pointed out that there was a 100 per cent council tax discount for the people on the lowest incomes.

The Conservative amendment was not approved and the administration’s proposed budget was voted through by a majority of councillors.