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The Government, in December, set out plans to move towards a new system of local government, removing the current two-tier structure of district and city councils and county councils. Existing unitary councils including Peterborough are also included.

From April 2028, current county, city and district councils in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough will be replaced by simpler unitary councils, instead of two tiers of local government.

Unitary councils are responsible for all local government services within their area. Rather than dealing with separate county, city, and district authorities, organisations will access all services—from road maintenance and bin collections to education, planning, social housing, social care, and support with benefits—through a unitary council.

Where areas have parish and town councils, these will not be affected and will continue to operate as they do now.

The national Government believes these changes will improve services, making them simpler and more efficient for residents and businesses, as well as supporting economic growth and delivering much needed housing.

This is a once in a generation opportunity to have your say on the future of local councils.

Your input is vital to help ensure the new arrangements put in place by national Government work effectively for your organisation and the communities you serve.

We need your help to understand how you think councils should be reorganised in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

Currently district councils in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough (including Cambridge City Council) serve populations of about 90,000 to 180,000. Cambridgeshire County Council serves about 680,000 people and Peterborough City Council serves about 215,000 people. National Government recommends that new unitary councils ideally serve populations of around 500,000 to ensure effective service delivery and efficiency. However, the Government acknowledges that smaller unitary councils might work well for areas with fewer people, depending on what each local area needs.

The three options each contain new unitary councils that would in future cover the entire Cambridgeshire and Peterborough area and replace all existing local authorities:

Proposal A - North-West/South-East option

Proposal B - North/South option

Proposal C- East/West option

Confirmation that the period of Public Rights, during which any person has the right to inspect and make copies of the accounting records for the 2024/25 financial year, will take place from 18th June 2025 to 29th July 2025.

You can find The Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR) under Parish Council/Finance/Audits

A Notice of Public Rights for a parish council informs residents of their right to inspect the council's accounting records for a specific period.This period, typically 30 working days, allows residents to review the council's financial records, including the Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR), and ask questions.The notice must be published, often on the council's website and in public places, and include the specific dates for the inspection period.

Key aspects of the Notice of Public Rights:

Purpose:To inform residents of their right to inspect the parish council's financial records.

Inspection Period:A 30 working day period for inspecting the accounts, including the AGAR.

Right to Question:Residents can ask questions about the accounting records during the inspection period.

Right to Copies:Residents can also request copies of the accounting records during the inspection period, potentially incurring a copying charge.

A Big Thank You from Bottisham Parish Council

On behalf of Bottisham Parish Council, we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the small but dedicated team of volunteers who have built, installed, and planted the new planters at the Triangle. Thoughtfully positioned alongside the bench, these planters help create a welcoming and attractive community space for everyone to enjoy.

With support from a few Parish Councillors and local residents, we will continue to water and care for the plants as they become established. However, we kindly ask all residents to help us keep the area clean, tidy, and well maintained.

We were fortunate to receive support through the Pride of Place grant programme, funded by East Cambridgeshire District Council (ECDC). This grant helps local communities enhance, tidy, or transform valued spaces — all while benefiting the natural environment.

Thank you again to everyone involved for helping make Bottisham even more beautiful.

Bottisham Meadows:  Official Opening

Bottisham Meadows offers a total of 50 new homes, ranging from one-bedroom apartments to four-bedroom houses.

Bottisham Meadows has been thoughtfully constructed to foster community engagement, featuring beautiful views of green spaces, a new play area for families to enjoy, ample parking, designated allotments for green fingered residents, and a Wildlife Buffer Zone that enhances biodiversity for both the development and the surrounding community. The new development also incorporates an existing woodland area managed by the local authority.

On Tuesday 13 May, we marked the completion of this significant development with an official opening ceremony. The official opening event included a welcome speech from Tom Miskell, Accent’s Chair of the Board, a ribbon cutting ceremony with Cllr Jon Ogborn from Bottisham Parish Council, a tour of the homes, followed by afternoon tea with the architects, builders, representatives from East Cambridgeshire District Council and Peterhouse University who originally owned the land.

To mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II lets come together & remember the enormous sacrifices made at home & abroad … so come along on Saturday 10th May 2pm - 5pm at the 'Triangle' for tea & cake, fish 'n' chips from Ocean Tree &fun family entertainment.

Celebrate 80 Years Since VE Day – Bottisham Commemorates the End of WWII in Europe

Saturday 10th May | 2:00pm – 5:00pm | Bottisham Village

Join us as Bottisham comes together to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, celebrating the end of the Second World War in Europe and honouring the spirit of resilience, community, and joy that swept the nation in 1945.

What's On:

Traditional Street Party Atmosphere – Inspired by the jubilation of 1945, enjoy a nostalgic afternoon of music, food, and community cheer.

Live Wartime Songs – Performed by Kirsty Beckett, singing classics from the 1940s and 50s.

Home-baked Cakes & Treats – Kindly provided by Bottisham residents.

Fish & Chips – Served fresh by Ocean Tree.

Traditional Ice Cream Cart – Courtesy of Toni’s Ices, delighting Cambridge for over 50 years.

Face Painting Fun – With Giselle White for children and families.

WWII Jeep Display – From Bottisham Airfield Museum, bringing history to life.

Handmade Bunting – Created by the talented pupils of Bottisham Primary School.

Scout Participation – With support from Bottisham Scouts, helping make the day run smoothly.

Special Guests – Including Charlotte Cane, MP for East Cambridge.

Tribute Event – 8th May
On Thursday 8th May, a flag will be raised at the flagpole opposite Holy Trinity Church, followed by a moving bell ringing at 6:30pm in remembrance and celebration.

Let’s come together to honour our veterans, share stories, and reflect on the courage of a generation who endured blackouts, bombings, rationing – and eventually, victory.

All welcome – dress in 1940s style if you like, and bring your best street party spirit!

East Cambridgeshire District Council

NOTICE OF POLL

Election of a County Councillor

WOODDITTON

Notice is hereby given that:

1. A poll for the election of a County Councillor for WOODDITTON will be held on Thursday, 01 May 2025 between the hours of 7am and 10pm.
2. The number of County Councillors to be elected is 1.
3. The names, home addresses and descriptions of the candidates remaining validly nominated for election and the names of all persons signing the candidate’s nomination paper are as follows: