Residents in a Cambridgeshire town experienced a 68% increase in a council tax precept
A council has issued an update after a man was arrested on suspicion of fraud, following a nearly 70% spike in a council tax precept. Cambourne residents experienced a 68% increase in the portion of their tax bill that goes to Cambourne Town Council at the start of this financial year.
This increase was a result of “serious issues” around the “management of council reserves and the receipt and use of Section 106 funds”, a council spokesperson previously told Cambridgeshire Live.
A 63-year-old man from St Ives was later arrested by Cambridgeshire Police on April 15 on suspicion of fraud by abuse of position. He has since been released on bail until July 15.
After the arrest, an internal review has been carried out into Cambourne Town Council’s governance matters. These are “now subject to external consideration,” said a council spokesperson.
The council spokesperson added: “The council acknowledges that concerns were raised in accordance with its whistleblowing arrangements. The council recognises the importance of such processes in supporting lawful and effective governance and confirms that those concerns were considered through appropriate procedures.
“The council also acknowledges the role of the elected member who received and referred those concerns in accordance with their duties, as well as the elected member who undertook the internal investigation.”
Following the internal review, the council confirmed there were “no findings of wrongdoing” made by current staff members. The spokesperson added: “Officers of the council continue to implement governance and procedural improvements identified through these processes.
“To illustrate this, 41 out of 47 matters arising from the 2025 internal audit report have now been resolved. The council further confirms that it has acted in accordance with its statutory responsibilities and internal governance framework in considering these matters. Elected members have discharged their duties having regard to relevant legislation, guidance and the council’s adopted procedures.”
In its review, the council has been supported by external bodies, including South Cambridgeshire District Council, the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Association of Local Councils, and dothenumbers ltd. The spokesperson said the council wanted to “record its thanks to these organisations for their professionalism and support throughout this process”.
The spokesperson went on to talk about financial matters. They added: “The council acknowledges that recent decisions, including the setting of the precept, have given rise to public concern.
“The council is under a statutory obligation to set a lawful, balanced and sustainable budget. In doing so, it has had regard to financial information indicating that such standards were not consistently achieved in previous financial periods. The measures implemented are considered necessary to ensure the council’s ongoing financial viability and its ability to discharge its statutory functions.”
Due to an active criminal investigation into the suspected fraud arrest, the council is “subject to legal constraints regarding the disclosure of information”. The spokesperson added: “The council will not comment on specific allegations, individuals, or operational details where doing so may prejudice ongoing investigations or any potential proceedings.
“The council continues to take legal advice and to liaise, where appropriate, with relevant regulatory bodies, including the Information Commissioner’s Office. Nothing in this statement should be taken as an admission of liability or wrongdoing by the council or any individual.
“The council reserves all legal rights in respect of these matters. The council reminds all parties that it is essential that staff are able to carry out their duties without interference or undue pressure. The council expects that all engagement with its officers is conducted in a lawful and appropriate manner.
“Cambourne Town Council remains committed to maintaining high standards of governance, accountability and transparency, subject at all times to its legal obligations and the requirements of due process.”


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