Social Value Ideas for Cambridge City Council

Tighter HMO controls and Article 4 work

Council members backed updated planning policy for larger HMOs and committed to develop evidence for an Article 4 direction covering smaller HMOs. The discussion indicated a formal report to cabinet i…

“The issues you have raised regarding houses in multiple occupancies, HMOs, have been highlighted over several years and were heavily reflected in our …”

New CIL consultation launched

Cabinet is proposing a new Community Infrastructure Levy for Cambridge, moving away from reliance on negotiated S106 deals. The policy is intended to create a more predictable funding stream for infra…

“I'm bringing this report to cabinet recommending that we launch a public consultation on a new community infrastructure levy or sill for Cambridge.”

Better transparency on new developments

The council agreed a motion to improve accountability and transparency on unadopted residential developments, including clearer responsibility, public records of ownership, and a code of engagement wi…

“The motion is practical. It sets clear expectations for developers. It aims to create named points of contact, improve communication with residents an…”

Consultation timetable set

Cabinet agreed to begin the draft CIL consultation on 2026-02-16 and run it for four weeks, with the results to inform final decisions later in the year. This is a procedural step that directly affect…

“the next step if the cabinet agree would be to go to consultation for four weeks um starting on the 16th of February to the 16th of March”

Housing repair overspend

The Housing Revenue Account is forecasting a material overspend due to repairs and safety-related works, especially damp/condensation/mould remediation and interim waking watches. Officers said the ov…

“"the projection for spending for the financial year indicates a 3.1 million spending above budget"”

HRA Repairs and ICT Spend

The Housing Revenue Account budget proposes a permanent increase in revenue spending to deal with housing repairs, damp, condensation and mould, plus housing management and ICT improvements. This is a…

“"The bulk of that spend will be on housing repairs and dealing with damp condensation and mold. ... with a little bit also on housing management and s…”

Rent Convergence Decision

The council is modelling rent convergence at £2 per week, but the government decision is still pending. Officers warned that delays or a lower settlement would materially increase HRA borrowing and co…

“"should we get one pound per week instead of two pounds per week ... borrowing would increase by 39 million pounds ... one-year delay ... increase bor…”

North Cowi Road car park approved

The committee resolved to approve the outline application for a multi-storey commercial car park and amenity kiosk at land north of Cowi Road, subject to planning conditions and informatives. The sche…

“Thank you very much. So the recommendation can be found at section 20 of the committee agenda. It is one of approval subject to the planning condition…”

Opposition to planning power transfer

The council debated a government proposal that would move key planning and plan-making powers to a centrally led development corporation. Multiple speakers argued this would reduce democratic control …

“"taking all plan making powers and the determination of major planning applications into the hands of an unelected body across that geography would be…”

Update car park conditions

Members agreed three specific condition amendments to the approved Cowi Road car park scheme: increase EV charge-point provision to 10%, strengthen ecological protection for adjacent areas including t…

“Thank you very much. Can I therefore move to the vote? Could I ask members who are in favor of the officer recommendation to approve noting as Philipp…”