Report from Luis Navarro, County Councillor for Over, Northstowe, Longstanton, Oakington & Westwick – August 2026
Local Government Reorganisation
The Government has delayed its decision on the future structure of local councils in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough until October 2026. Elections for any new councils are still expected to take place in May 2027. This could have implications for how local services such as highways, education, and social care are delivered in the future.
Learning Disability Services
Learning Disability Partnership services across Cambridgeshire, including the City & South Cambridgeshire area, have been rated Good by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) following inspections earlier this year. The report highlighted compassionate, person-centred support and significant improvements since previous inspections.
Improvements in Children’s Services
Ofsted has recognised significant improvements in Cambridgeshire’s children’s services, particularly in the provision of placements for children in care. While further work remains in some areas, the inspection acknowledged clear progress since 2024.
Minerals and Waste Local Plan Consultation
Residents have an opportunity to comment on the next stage of the Cambridgeshire Minerals and Waste Local Plan Review. The consultation runs until 10 October 2026. This is particularly relevant to communities concerned about future quarrying, waste facilities, transportation impacts, and environmental issues.
Highways Investment
Cambridgeshire County Council has approved an additional £5 million investment to improve road maintenance and winter resilience across the county. This builds on a highways budget of more than £78 million for 2026/27 and includes preventative repairs and new approaches to tackling potholes and road deterioration. Residents may notice maintenance and resurfacing works across the county during the coming months.
Rights of Way and Countryside Access
The County Council is reviewing its Rights of Way Improvement Plan and will be seeking views from parish councils and communities. This is particularly relevant to Over residents who make use of local footpaths, bridleways, and countryside access routes. The plan will help shape priorities for the next ten years.
Active Travel and Walking & Cycling
Cambridgeshire recently hosted the UK’s national active travel conference, reflecting the county’s ongoing commitment to improving walking, cycling, and sustainable transport infrastructure. This could support future opportunities for active travel improvements in communities such as Over.
Combined Authority and Future Powers
The Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority has been awarded enhanced status by Government, potentially leading to greater local control over areas such as transport, housing, education, and other public services in the coming years.
I will continue to keep residents informed of developments affecting Over and the wider area, particularly on local government reorganisation, highways, active travel, and opportunities to improve local services.
Cllr Luis Navarro
