Agenda item

Council notes:

·      Cambridge is a vitally important city both to the region and to the country’s regeneration. There has always been government interest and investment in the Cambridge area, from Harold Wilson to Gordon Brown and more recently former Secretary of State Michael Gove’s 2050 proposals. 

·      The City Council has and will continue to play an essential role in the running of the city, providing important democratic governance and local decision making.

·      With renewed interest in the city, including from the new Labour government, it is important that the Council establishes its own vision for Cambridge’s future, one which is led by residents, workers and businesses here.

·      The Council’s current vision was written and adopted in 2014/15, following Labour taking over control of the Council. Since then, the city has seen significant change, as it has continued to grow rapidly, and become more diverse.

·      Cambridge and the council have lived through Brexit, Covid, cost of living crises and the impacts of conflict around the world.

·      This vision has been informed by conversations with residents about what matters most to them now and in the future; by councillors in their roles as community champions; and by our staff and partners. This includes the ‘Rich Picture’, ‘State of the City’ and the ‘Cambridge Conversations’ led by Executive Councillors.

·      The vision is high-level and accessible. Many council strategies, delivery plans and targets fall out of the vision and will be further developed and refined, ideally with partners and communities, to help shape a new corporate plan from 2025-2030.

Council believes:

·      This vision reflects the values, aspirations and needs of our local communities based on these conversations and ongoing collaborations.

·      This vision will help the council in conversations about the future of Cambridge. It will enable us to represent the views of our citizens and to assert the city’s future needs in discussions we have with our partners and our recently elected Labour government.

Council resolves:

·      To adopt the Vision statement which positions the Council as a place maker, convenor and community facilitator as well as playing a core role in providing public services.

·      To promote our vision and ambition for the future of Cambridge, building on our vision for One Cambridge, Fair for All, to underpin and direct the work of the council and our partnerships including the emerging Local Plan and Cambridge 2050.

Cambridge: Our Vision

One Cambridge, Fair for All

Where:

·      Residents enjoy a high quality of life and exemplar public services. Cambridge is a place of high employment where everyone has a warm, safe, and affordable home, and beautiful open spaces to enjoy. Communities are thriving and empowered, supported by well-run public services, and drawing on shared prosperity with greater equality in health and educational outcomes.

·      Decarbonisation and sustainability are central to prosperity. Cambridge is a net zero carbon city, where people and nature enjoy a clean river, clean air, and biodiverse green spaces. Strong nature networks are coordinated between relevant bodies to combat the impacts of social and climate injustice.

·      Innovation benefits people and planet. Cambridge champions pioneering discoveries which shape a better future for people and planet. There is a lifelong citywide commitment to learning which enables every resident to develop their skills and fulfil their potential. Businesses are key to the success of a thriving local economy which benefits residents and workers.

·      Development is sustainable and inclusive. High-quality social housing, sustainable public transport alongside key infrastructure is prioritised to ensure Cambridge is a vibrant and caring city. Cambridge’s beautiful architecture and public realm, with well-used community spaces, promote pride and wellbeing and is accessible to all.

·      Arts, sports, and culture are thriving. Cambridge celebrates the city’s diversity through a vibrant arts and cultural scene, including music, festivals, sports, and food and drink. Accessible arts, sports and culture provide spaces for people of all ages to come together to enjoy the city, both during the day and at night.

·      Democratic accountability is genuine and accessible. Residents actively participate in democratic life and transparent decisions are made by and for the people of Cambridge. There is genuine partnership between academic, business, and civic communities to enhance residents’ prosperity. Local control, devolution, and community empowerment are championed through transparent and simplified local government.

Councillor Gilderdale proposed and Councillor Moore seconded the following motion: 

Council notes:

·       Cambridge is a vitally important city both to the region and to the country’s regeneration. There has always been government interest and investment in the Cambridge area, from Harold Wilson to Gordon Brown and more recently former Secretary of State Michael Gove’s 2050 proposals. 

·       The City Council has and will continue to play an essential role in the running of the city, providing important democratic governance and local decision making.

·       With renewed interest in the city, including from the new Labour government, it is important that the Council establishes its own vision for Cambridge’s future, one which is led by residents, workers and businesses here.

·       The Council’s current vision was written and adopted in 2014/15, following Labour taking over control of the Council. Since then, the city has seen significant change, as it has continued to grow rapidly, and become more diverse.

·       Cambridge and the council have lived through Brexit, Covid, cost of living crises and the impacts of conflict around the world.

·       This vision has been informed by conversations with residents about what matters most to them now and in the future; by councillors in their roles as community champions; and by our staff and partners. This includes the ‘Rich Picture’, ‘State of the City’ and the ‘Cambridge Conversations’ led by Executive Councillors.

·       The vision is high-level and accessible. Many council strategies, delivery plans and targets fall out of the vision and will be further developed and refined, ideally with partners and communities, to help shape a new corporate plan from 2025-2030.

Council believes:

·       This vision reflects the values, aspirations and needs of our local communities based on these conversations and ongoing collaborations.

·       This vision will help the council in conversations about the future of Cambridge. It will enable us to represent the views of our citizens and to assert the city’s future needs in discussions we have with our partners and our recently elected Labour government.

Council resolves:

·       To adopt the Vision statement which positions the Council as a place maker, convenor and community facilitator as well as playing a core role in providing public services.

·       To promote our vision and ambition for the future of Cambridge, building on our vision for One Cambridge, Fair for All, to underpin and direct the work of the council and our partnerships including the emerging Local Plan and Cambridge 2050.

Cambridge: Our Vision

One Cambridge, Fair for All

Where:

·       Residents enjoy a high quality of life and exemplar public services. Cambridge is a place of high employment where everyone has a warm, safe, and affordable home, and beautiful open spaces to enjoy. Communities are thriving and empowered, supported by well-run public services, and drawing on shared prosperity with greater equality in health and educational outcomes.

·       Decarbonisation and sustainability are central to prosperity. Cambridge is a net zero carbon city, where people and nature enjoy a clean river, clean air, and biodiverse green spaces. Strong nature networks are coordinated between relevant bodies to combat the impacts of social and climate injustice.

·       Innovation benefits people and planet. Cambridge champions pioneering discoveries which shape a better future for people and planet. There is a lifelong citywide commitment to learning which enables every resident to develop their skills and fulfil their potential. Businesses are key to the success of a thriving local economy which benefits residents and workers.

·       Development is sustainable and inclusive. High-quality social housing, sustainable public transport alongside key infrastructure is prioritised to ensure Cambridge is a vibrant and caring city. Cambridge’s beautiful architecture and public realm, with well-used community spaces, promote pride and wellbeing and is accessible to all.

·       Arts, sports, and culture are thriving. Cambridge celebrates the city’s diversity through a vibrant arts and cultural scene, including music, festivals, sports, and food and drink. Accessible arts, sports and culture provide spaces for people of all ages to come together to enjoy the city, both during the day and at night.

·       Democratic accountability is genuine and accessible. Residents actively participate in democratic life and transparent decisions are made by and for the people of Cambridge. There is genuine partnership between academic, business, and civic communities to enhance residents’ prosperity. Local control, devolution, and community empowerment are championed through transparent and simplified local government.

Resolved (by 19 votes in favour to 0 against with 15 abstentions) to support the motion.