The below statement was issued following a media enquiry about the four-day week trial being run by South Cambridgeshire District Council, which affects Cambridge City Council as the councils share a number of services including planning and waste. 

Cllr Mike Davey, Executive Councillor for Finance, Resources and Transformation, said: "We’re really happy to be involved in this trial, to see how a four-day week works in practice in a council setting and the positive impact this could have on staff wellbeing and retention, along with associated savings if fewer agency staff are needed.

"So I was pleased that there was unanimous support at our Strategy and Resources Scrutiny Committee on Thursday for South Cambs to extend the initial three-month for desk-based colleagues – which includes staff in our shared planning service – for another year.

"We look forward to considering the initial trial for the shared waste service when it comes to our Scrutiny Committee in early July, and making a decision then."

The executive councillor leading on this matter is Cllr Mike Davey (Labour) Executive Councillor Finance, Resources and Transformation. Spokespersons from the other political groups on this issue are Cllr Tim Bick (Liberal Democrat) and Cllr Naomi Bennett (Green/Independent Group).