Shock horror has set in on South Cambridgeshire District Council as it has now been revealed that its ‘independent’ report on the results of its highly controversial 4-day week trial was co-authored by a 4-day week activist.
This extremely concerning revelation has been discovered at the eleventh hour – as councillors are due to vote on whether the council should become a permanent 4-day week employer at a council meeting starting at 2pm today.
This discovery has raised eyebrows over the true independence of the report which is being relied on for one of the most important decisions in the council’s history.
It’s not the first time an ‘independent’ report commissioned by the council on its 4-day week has been under fire, with an independent report published in September 2023 being edited prior to publication at the request of a council officer.
Cllr Heather Williams, Leader of the Opposition at South Cambridgeshire District Council, said:
“It is extremely concerning to have learnt this today and for myself calls into question how independent this report can be deemed. We have subsequently learnt that the council approached the co-author and activist, which in itself raises serious questions about the decision-making process that has surrounded this trial from the very start.
“Trust between local residents and South Cambs District Council was already on a knife edge. I can very much understand if this latest revelation tips people over the edge and they lose faith in South Cambs Lib Dems for good. We will ensure that when we go into the chamber today, we are the residents’ voice at this council – standing up for them and to have their money spent wisely.”
