Lib Dems at South Cambridgeshire District Council have been put under a second Best Value Notice over concerns that their four-day week is still not giving residents value for money.
The Lib Dem administration began the four days’ work for five days’ pay trial in January 2023 for council staff.
In November 2023, the council was issued with a Best Value Notice and the administration chose to continue with the four-day week trial by providing performance data to the government.
The four-day week trial officially ended in March 2024 – yet council staff continue to work part-time hours for full-time pay.
This zombified limbo meant the administration brought a second Best Value Notice upon the council in May as concern for residents remains severe.
At the council’s annual meeting, the Lib Dem administration unanimously voted down a Conservative amendment to stop the four-day week in June.
Instead, Lib Dems chose to plough on with the four-day week – even though the trial has ended – blatantly continuing to ignore all warnings from the government.
Cllr Heather Williams, Leader of the Conservative Opposition at South Cambs, said:
“So the trial has ended. We have not had the vote we were promised. But the four-day week continues. It continues by stealth, and it continues against the best interests of residents.
“The Lib Dems have backed themselves into a corner. Rather than holding their hands up and admitting to their error, they are simply ploughing on, destroying our council’s reputation and putting so much of the vital work that we do at risk.
“It is not just government that is concerned about the long-term impacts of the four-day week. I, and many residents who I speak to, are also concerned.
“I hope that in the weeks ahead, where debate no doubt will be greater than ever, that residents take every opportunity to tell them enough is enough.”
