Last chance for a say on Council’s 4-day week

A public consultation on the 4-Day working week trial at South Cambridgeshire District Council closes at midnight on Sunday (23 March). Anyone, from anywhere in the world, is invited to have their say on the working arrangement through the survey. The Council says the results will be used to guide its next steps with the initiative. 

Take part

The consultation can be accessed online. South Cambridgeshire residents who would prefer to complete a paper survey can email communications@scambs.gov.uk or call 01954 713 000.

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As South Cambridgeshire District and Cambridge City councils share some key services – Greater Cambridge Shared Planning and Greater Cambridge Shared Waste – residents of Cambridge city are also being encouraged to comment on their experiences of using these services using the online link. 

Cambridge city residents who would prefer to complete a paper survey can email communications@cambridge.gov.uk for a copy.

Criticism

Opposition councillors widely criticised the consultation publicly before it went live eight weeks ago. 

They argue residents may struggle to answer questions that refer back to before the 4-day week trial was introduced in January 2023. It was also felt people should be asked directly whether they support the working arrangement or not – with the response being a simple yes/no answer. 

However, Lib Dems argue this would make the survey a referendum and the current format offers a richer insight.

Next steps

HI HUB asked the Council if there was any information available on how many responses it had received so far and how long it takes on average for people to complete the survey. A spokesperson said these details are not available while the consultation is still active. 

He explained after the closing date, the results will be independently analysed by the market research company DJS Research, who will provide a report on the findings. At a previous council meeting, it was revealed the findings should be made available by the summer. 

READ MORE: Referendum on 4-day week trial would be ‘meaningless’