Council gets set to deliver for residents

Council Tax across East Cambridgeshire will only be raised as a last resort between now and 2027, as part of a renewed commitment to help with the Cost of Living Crisis.

East Cambridgeshire District Council is continuing its Council Tax commitment as part of its new Corporate Plan, which sets out the council’s priorities for the coming four years.

Commitments have also been made to invest millions in protecting the environment, improving sustainable transport options and increasing the number of affordable homes available for local residents.

A key focus will be on developing sustainable communities. The council will work with Community Land Trusts and East Cambs Trading Company to continue to deliver genuinely affordable housing that enables people to live and work locally.

Working with partners such as Sustrans and the Cambridge and Peterborough Combined Authority, the council will also continue its work to improve cycling routes, support phase 2 of Soham Railway and lobby for improved bus services.

It’s also officially pledged to oppose the introduction of congestion charging in Cambridge, which it sees as having a negative impact on residents who travel to the larger city for jobs, education and important services, like healthcare.

Subject to a business case being approved, proposals for a state-of-the-art bereavement centre to include an eco-crematorium, woodland burial site and pet cemetery all set in the grounds of a beautiful lakeside nature reserve at Mepal, will also go ahead.

Around £2 million is to be invested in energy efficiency measures for non-gas homes and under its pledge to create a cleaner, greener East Cambridgeshire, the council will continue to deliver its Environment Plan, which sets out commitments to reach net carbon zero by 2035/6.

There will be crack downs on Environmental Crime, such as fly tipping and littering, and a Love Your Street campaign to improve the look and feel of local communities.

As part of its “Project Street Smart” the council will also be introducing bin lorries which run on hydrotreated vegetable oil, digitising its waste service, improving recycling targets and bringing in black wheeled bins for residents.

Councillor Anna Bailey, leader of East Cambridgeshire District Council, said: “We really pride ourselves as being a small but mighty council. Over the next four years we are packing a lot in to help us meet our three key priorities of sound financial management, creating a cleaner, greener East Cambridgeshire and delivering sustainable communities.

“I for one am extremely excited with the innovative approach this council is taking to adapting to our changing world and environment and making our district a fantastic place to live, work and visit.”

Read ECDC four year Corporate Plan for 2023-2027

Read ECDC annual Corporate Plan for 2023/4

For more information contact ECDC communications team oncomms@eastcambs.gov.uk or 01353 665555/07796 358144.