Option B

Tell us what you think

We are now nearing the deadline for submitting our business plan for Local Government Reorganisation. 

Option B is all about protecting what we love and value in East Cambridgeshire, now and for future generations, and refers to the preferred option for Local Government Reorganisation being promoted by other district councils across Cambridgeshire.

Option B will see residents benefit from the lowest Council Tax and ensure they remain able to access locally based council services.

It will give local communities the power - and funding - to shape services and infrastructure, and will also see more money invested in health, transport and social care.

All of this is in response to a survey carried out among Cambridgeshire residents in which 81% of residents in East Cambridgeshire said they were concerned about local services being overlooked.

Crucially, it avoids East Cambridgeshire being overshadowed by Greater Cambridge and becoming its overspill building site, which is a huge risk of Option A.

The people of East Cambridgeshire lose control of where the Government wants to build 150,000 homes, we are likely to lose local services to Cambridge and face the highest Council Tax rises.

"Option B celebrates the close ties of our rural communities and paves the way for happier, healthier lifestyles.

Importantly, it enables us to benefit from our close proximity and partnership with Cambridge, without being overshadowed and exploited by it.

Option A will see us lose control of building, lose local services and lose money - all to the benefit of Cambridge.

On the other hand, Option B gives residents, business and stakeholders the very best of both worlds. Housing is controlled, services remain local, the rural voice is heard - and we still have Cambridge and all the benefits that brings on our doorstep. In other words, we can have our cake and eat it.

We are not Cambridge - we are out own special, unique place which our residents have told us time and time again that they love and want to protect.

It's definitely #OptionBforMe."

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Cllr Anna Bailey

Leader, East Cambridgeshire District Council