South Cambridgeshire District Council is your local district authority, serving as the middle tier of local government between Cambridgeshire County Council and parish councils like ours. With a population of 162,119, the district completely surrounds the city of Cambridge and provides essential day-to-day services that directly affect residents across our communities.
The District Council manages several vital services that impact our daily lives. They are responsible for collecting household bins and managing our recycling and waste services, ensuring our communities remain clean and environmentally sustainable. They handle Council Tax, Benefits and Business Rates administration, providing support for residents who need financial assistance.
Housing represents a significant area of responsibility, with the Council managing social housing provision and supporting council tenants throughout the district. They also work to address housing needs and homelessness within our communities.
South Cambridgeshire District Council provides planning application help and guidance, neighbourhood plans and Local Plan services. They assess and determine residential planning applications, helping to shape the future development of our district while protecting its character. The Council works closely with parishes on neighbourhood planning, enabling local communities to have a greater say in how their areas develop.
The District Council takes an active role in environmental protection and sustainability. They provide services relating to nature, sustainable living and action on climate change, alongside environmental care services including environmental health inspections and pollution control. They also manage licensing for businesses, events and personal activities, ensuring appropriate standards are maintained across the district.
Community support, wellbeing, sports, arts and leisure services fall under their remit, along with providing community and business grants to support local initiatives and organisations. They offer cost of living support and advice to residents facing financial challenges.
South Cambridgeshire District Council works collaboratively with neighbouring authorities to deliver efficient services. They operate shared services with Cambridge City Council for planning, building control, environmental health and licensing. They also share waste services with Huntingdonshire District Council, demonstrating a commitment to cost-effective service delivery across the region.
The Council has been a member of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority since 2017, working alongside other local authorities and the directly-elected Mayor to deliver strategic priorities for the wider region.
South Cambridgeshire District Council’s headquarters are located at South Cambridgeshire Hall, Cambourne Business Park, Cambourne, CB23 6EA. Residents can contact them through their website at www.scambs.gov.uk or by telephone. The Council’s offices are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm. Many services can be accessed online, and residents can enter their postcode on the Council’s website to find information specific to their area, including bin collection schedules and local councillor details.
