I think Avril Lavigne got it spot on back in 2002. “Why d’ya have to go and make things so complicated?!?!?” You can see them in the nominations for the various committees at Cambridge City Council which they will be voting through on 26 May. So, let’s list them: Actually, let’s not. You can seeContinue reading “Committee allocations reveal how unnecessarily complicated local government in Cambridge is. Can we simplify it?”
Category Archives: Uncategorized
The proposed Cambridge Biomedical Campus & Science Park North expansions will require developers to contribute substantially to new infrastructure – including water supply
You may have seen the recent announcements in the media – including this by Alya Zayed on the proposal to double the size of the Cambridge Biomedical Campus at Addenbrooke’s. But before I get going, I remind readers and those behind the developments of the existing water crisis, and what Cambridge City Council & SouthContinue reading “The proposed Cambridge Biomedical Campus & Science Park North expansions will require developers to contribute substantially to new infrastructure – including water supply”
“Renewed investment in youth services”, says Cllr Lucy Nethsingha, Leader of Cambridgeshire County Council
The new Joint Administration of the county Liberal Democrat, Labour, and Independent Groups on the county council hit the ground running after nearly a quarter of a century of domination by the Conservatives. (Photo – Hannah Olsson) The first full council of Cambridgeshire County Council met for the first time at the Imperial War MuseumContinue reading ““Renewed investment in youth services”, says Cllr Lucy Nethsingha, Leader of Cambridgeshire County Council”
Why such small ambitions for a new arts centre and cinema for Cambourne, Cambs?
You may have seen the headlines for a £100,000 fundraising bid for this rapidly-growing town. At the same time, the Cambridge Junction is planning an overhaul that could cost up to £17million. Why isn’t Cambourne going for a much grander scheme? Is there not more money available? From developers? From grants and trusts? From localContinue reading “Why such small ambitions for a new arts centre and cinema for Cambourne, Cambs?”
Following Cllr Dr Alexandra Bulat’s example of going that extra mile to meet residents
One of the weak spots that Cambridge-based county councillors regularly came under fire from their Conservative opponents on was their lack of awareness of communities in Fenland and north of the county. The north-west vs south-east polarisation is now even more pronounced following the recent elections. Furthermore, the seven gains on the southern and westernContinue reading “Following Cllr Dr Alexandra Bulat’s example of going that extra mile to meet residents”
As the political mood lifts in Greater Cambridge, so the hard work for councillors begins – with reading. *Lots* of it
Why councillors should commission a literature review of the past 20 years of reports commissioned and delivered, and have an audit of what was delivered/completed and what was not. If I carry on blogging at this rate, I may have to send in a speculative application as a part-time policy adviser to one of theContinue reading “As the political mood lifts in Greater Cambridge, so the hard work for councillors begins – with reading. *Lots* of it”
The Joint Agreement – Cambridgeshire County Council in a new political age
Seated: Cllr Lucy Nethsingha (LD), & standing L-R, Cllrs Tom Sanderson (Ind), Lorna Dupre (LD), Richard Howitt (Lab), & Elisa Meschini (Lab). Photo via Ben Hatton County councillors representing the Liberal Democrats (20 cllrs), Labour (9 councillors) and the Independent Group (4 councillors) today have signed an agreement to run Cambridgeshire County Council – whichContinue reading “The Joint Agreement – Cambridgeshire County Council in a new political age”
What lessons can Mayor Dr Nik Johnson take from his predecessor’s record?
New Mayor of Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Dr Nik Johnson, pictured with the Labour candidate for Police & Crime Commissioner 2021, Ms Nicky Massey. Photo: Keith Heppell Editor John Elworthy of the Cambs Times reminded us of the first 100 days of Mr Palmer’s record. As the first ‘Metro Mayor’ for Cambridgeshire & Peterborough, Mr PalmerContinue reading “What lessons can Mayor Dr Nik Johnson take from his predecessor’s record?”
The broadcast media narrative of the crumbling ‘red wall’ has missed the rise of The Greens, & Co-operative Metro Mayors
As a result, there are too many holes in their analysis of what’s going on – which bodes ill for our democratic institutions & structures – which need overhauling & strengthening anyway I dare say that most people don’t really know much about the Co-op other than its convenience food stores that seem to beContinue reading “The broadcast media narrative of the crumbling ‘red wall’ has missed the rise of The Greens, & Co-operative Metro Mayors”
Political earthquake shakes Cambridgeshire to its core
Map Image – Cambridgeshire County Council The Cambridgeshire Conservatives are sent reeling from their loss of political control of Cambridgeshire County Council, and the defeat of Mayor James Palmer to Labour’s Dr Nik Johnson – and almost lost the election for the next Police and Crime Commissioner. I refrained from publicly backing any specific candidatesContinue reading “Political earthquake shakes Cambridgeshire to its core”
The Cambridge Town Owl 