Cambridgeshire County Council Monthly Report November 2025
Dear Over Residents,
As usual, there has been lots going on at the County Council, including selecting the Local Government Reorganisation option to the Government, and the launch of our Be Winter Wise Campaign. The following is an edited summary.
FULL COUNCIL
Council Composition
Recent changes in group leadership have reshaped the council’s composition:
- Liberal Democrat & Independent Group: 33 seats
- Conservatives: 10
- Reform UK: 9
- Labour: 5
- Greens: 3
- Independent: 1
Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)
The Full Council has voted to submit Option A to Government. Other districts are submitting different options, with some internal opposition. The process appears to be centrally driven, with limited weight given to local views.
Summary of LGR Options:
- Option A (North-West/South-East)
- Unitary 1: Peterborough, Huntingdonshire, Fenland
- Unitary 2: Cambridge City, East Cambridgeshire, South Cambridgeshire
- Option B (North/South)
- Unitary 1: Peterborough, East Cambridgeshire, Fenland, Huntingdonshire
- Unitary 2: Cambridge City, South Cambridgeshire
- Option C (East/West)
- Unitary 1: Peterborough, East Cambridgeshire, Fenland
- Unitary 2: Cambridge City, Huntingdonshire, South Cambridgeshire
STRATEGY, RESOURCES & PERFORMANCE
Customer Care
The complaints process has been streamlined to two stages, in line with Ombudsman guidance.
Budget & Business Plan
Financial pressures persist, especially in social care, transport, and learning disability services.
Have your say on budget priorities via the Your Voice Cambridgeshire survey (open until 24 November): https://yourvoice.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/business-planning/26-27-phase-1-engagement/.
ADULTS & HEALTH
Arthur Rank Hospice
Facing a funding shortfall of £829,000, the hospice risks losing 40% of its beds. A petition is being submitted to Government to safeguard end-of-life care.
Integrated Care System
The NHS Board for Cambridgeshire & Peterborough is merging into a larger regional cluster, amid rapid changes and funding challenges.
Health Scrutiny & CCS Trust Merger
The Health Scrutiny Committee reviewed annual health checks and NHS plans. CCS NHS Trust aims to merge with Norfolk’s equivalent by March 2026.
Be Winter Wise Campaign
The council’s winter campaign offers guidance and support for staying safe and warm, including help with energy costs and food vouchers. Follow on social media with the hashtag #BeWinterWise, and you can watch the YouTube video.
CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE
Special Schools Delayed
Government delays in building new special schools are increasing costs for the council.
EHCPs
An additional £780,000 has been allocated to improve the timeliness of Education Health & Care Plans.
Care Leavers Celebration
A county-wide event celebrated young people transitioning out of care. More info: Care Leavers Celebration and Care Leavers Local Offer
COMMUNITIES, SOCIAL MOBILITY & INCLUSION
Poverty Commission
The council is implementing recommendations focused on income, digital inclusion, rural poverty, housing, children, and mental health.
ENVIRONMENT & GREEN INVESTMENT
Flood Resilience Campaign
The council launched a campaign to improve flood preparedness. More info: https://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/flood-prepare, or #CambsFloodResilience on social media.
Fens 2100+ Project
Engage with the vital Fens 2100+ a major initiative led by the Environment Agency to develop a long-term investment strategy for flood and coastal resilience across the UK Fens. With 96.5% of the Fens area used for agriculture and 10% of the UK’s water managed through it, this project is crucial for long-term sustainability. More info: Fens 2100+
EV Charging at St Ives Park & Ride
Nine solar-powered EV chargers are now available, generating renewable energy revenue to support council services. More info: St Ives EV Chargers
Cycle Route: Longstanton to Bar Hill
Work continues on the new cycle route linking Longstanton to Bar Hill, offering a safer and more sustainable travel option for local residents. Once complete, it will significantly enhance connectivity between communities. Residents of Over will be able to access Bar Hill via Station Road, the guided Busway service road and the Northstowe cycle network that leads to this new facility. This creates a continuous, accessible route that supports active travel and reduces reliance on cars.
Busway Works & Fencing
Speed restrictions are being introduced on the guided busway for safety. I’m working with authorities to ensure fencing in Northstowe prioritises safety while preserving the town’s open character.
The fencing is mandated by the Health and Safety Executive following a court ruling against the County Council. I’m advocating for designs that avoid overly imposing barriers.
Other Transport Updates
- LED street light replacements continue across the county.
- A new hierarchy for Public Rights of Way prioritises routes used by schoolchildren.
- The council is reviewing excessive roadworks signage to reduce visual clutter.
