Conservative councillors are calling for a referendum on Lib Dem-run South Cambridgeshire District Council’s four-day week for five days’ pay.
In the Conservative Group’s alternative budget proposals published today, councillors have called for the Lib Dem administration to trigger a referendum – enabling all South Cambridgeshire residents to vote on the council’s four-day week for five days’ pay.
The Lib Dem council has been paying staff five days a week to work just four days a week since January 2023.
Rather than compressed hours, this four-day week is simply less hours, with staff being paid 37 hours for only 32 hours work – and South Cambs taxpayers are still being forced to foot the bill.
The council has published its draft consultation, due to be considered by its Scrutiny and Overview Committee on 16 January, but the Conservatives have deemed this as “shoddy”.
Conservative councillors are disgusted that residents must answer 57 questions, businesses 68 questions, when only two questions actually ask about the four-day week.
The Lib Dems have also refused to ask in their consultation if residents and businesses are happy to pay for their council not to work, sparking further outrage from councillors and residents.
Cllr Heather Williams, Leader of the Conservative Opposition at South Cambridgeshire District Council, said:
“The Lib Dems’ consultation, to be quite frank, is insulting given that nowhere does it ask residents if they are happy and willing for their money to be spent in this way. As a result, I’ve lost complete trust in the governance arrangements of the council to ensure residents’ voices will be listened to.
“Holding a referendum is something that should never be taken lightly. But this four-day week for five days’ pay has now been going on for years – with no mandate ever sought.
“The Lib Dems never told the public they would do this before they got elected and with the national government’s local government reform, we have no idea when residents will get to have a say at the ballot box. So a referendum is the only lever left for us now to try and ensure that residents can be heard.
“Being elected by the residents of The Mordens is one of the most humbling and privileged honours I have experienced. Many people put their trust in me to represent them – as has every councillor who sits in South Cambs, and yet 80% of us have had no vote or debate.
“Residents have lost faith in our council – and I’m saddened to say so have I. This now feels like the only way.”
