Cambridgeshire County Council has announced a council tax increase of 4.99%, the largest rise permitted within national guidelines. The move follows significant financial pressures related to rising costs in social care and special educational needs services.
The increase, approved in a recent council meeting, is expected to add approximately £84 per year to the average Band D property bill across the county.
Council leadership described the decision as necessary to maintain investment in crucial services, despite concerns and debate among political groups regarding the impact on residents.
Council tax to rise by statutory maximum
The approved council tax rise consists of a 2.99% increase in the main council tax precept and an additional 2% rise allocated specifically for adult social care funding.
The total 4.99% increase is the maximum currently allowed under government regulations without triggering a public referendum. The new rates will apply from the upcoming financial year.
Budget pressures drive decision
Council leader Lucy Nethsingha stated that persistent increases in costs for adult and children’s social care, as well as special educational needs provision, were key factors forcing the council's hand.
“Rising costs in children's and adult social care and in special educational needs are putting enormous pressure on our finances,” Nethsingha said, adding that statutory services for the most vulnerable residents now account for the largest part of the council's spending.
Breakdown of council spending
The county council’s total budget stands at approximately £1.26 billion, with around half dedicated to adult and children’s services.
Additional allocations in this year’s budget include an extra £20 million for highways maintenance and £14.7 million for adult social care providers. The council also plans to create 3,500 new primary school places as part of its long-term investment in education infrastructure.
Political debate over tax burden
Conservative group leader Ross Martin offered a critical perspective on the scale of the tax increase. He stated, “We don't have a vision unleashed,
we have a tax burden unleashed,” opposing the size of the rise and urging alternative solutions. The increase has prompted debate among councillors about maintaining vital services while managing the tax burden on residents.
Rejected budget amendments
Alternative budget proposals were put forward during the council session. Reform UK suggested capping the tax increase at 3.99%, funded by redirecting money from anti-poverty reserves and nature recovery initiatives.
This amendment was rejected by the majority group. Labour proposed an amendment to extend a holiday meal voucher scheme for children until March 2027, but this was also turned down, with Liberal Democrat councillors citing legal restrictions on the use of funds.
Final Summary
Cambridgeshire County Council’s decision to raise council tax by the statutory maximum follows sustained financial pressures from rapidly rising costs in statutory social care and education services.
Political groups presented differing approaches to balancing the budget, but leadership argued the increase was unavoidable to safeguard essential services for vulnerable residents. The council has committed significant resources to social care, highways, and education, while also maintaining targeted support measures for disadvantaged children.
Ongoing debates reflect wider national challenges facing local authorities in meeting statutory obligations amid constrained funding. For readers interested in keeping up with local government finance, the Pie app provides timely updates on public finance developments.
