Leader of the council Nick Clarke defended the council's savings record

IF YOU raise our council tax, you better spend it wisely.

This is the message the people of Cambridgeshire have given to the county council as it proposes a 2.95 per cent increase in council tax.

As the council endeavours to save almost £500 million over the next four years after racking up a saving of £50 million in the current financial year, a budget which could cost the average household in the city an extra £37 a year has been approved by cabinet.

But public opinion on the increase seems to accept the rise as long as vital services are protected.

According to the council’s budget consultation which included surveying more than 800 people and carrying out various workshops, Cambridgeshire residents would be happy to pay an increase if Children and Young People’s services and Adult Social Care budgets were protected.

Cllr Mac McGuire told the meeting on Tuesday: “There is an appetite for a council tax increase providing that the money raised from that increase actually goes towards the services named in the consultation.”

The consultation also suggested residents would like to see money moved away from supporting families “suffering from multiple problems” to skills development, as well as an increased focus on general health and well-being to prevent costly social care services later on.

Though the council tax increase may be acceptable, a £100,000 sum set aside for a potential councillor allowance increase is likely to add the saga’s ongoing payrise controversy.

Cllr Kilian Bourke, leader of the Lib Dem group, said the budgeting was “incredible” and called on the cabinet to move the money into a “cash-strapped service” like Adult Social Care.

“I find it incredible that the amount has been put aside for the possibility, given that the [renumeration] panel has not even been selected,” he said.

“We should not be giving ourselves a pay rise at such a time.”

The budget, which will go before full council on February 21, also makes provision for large projects in the country including the long-awaited eco-town of Northstowe, Chesterton Station and superfast broadband.

Leader of the council Nick Clarke praised the council and its staff for performing well in a difficult economic climate.

“This budget is not all about doom and gloom - this budget can be a reassurance to the vulnerable people this council is dedicated to protect and a great reflection on the officers and members who have embraced this challenge,” he said.

“This county should be the best in the country and we should be able to provide the services people in Cambridgeshire expect.”