Category: Cambridgeshire

The DWP is set to introduce new Personal Independence Payment assessment rules affecting all four million claimants, as the Labour government aims to make the system fairer and reduce the frequency of reviewsJames Rodger Content Editor and Katie Green Senior multimedia reporter04:00, 10 May 2026DWP to subject all 4 million PIP claimants to new assessment rulesThe Department for Work and Pensions is set to introduce new assessment rules affecting all four million claimants. The DWP plans to overhaul the duration of awards, establishing a minimum review period of three years for new claims.Under the revised rules, awards will increase to five years at their next review should the claimant remain eligible, the Labour government has confirmed. The changes are intended to reduce the frequency of reassessments for the overwhelming majority of PIP recipients.DWP data reveals that 60 per cent of reviews currently result in no change to an award. Labour cabinet minister Sir Stephen Timms is seeking to ensure the disability and incapacity benefit is “fair and fit for the future”.Sir Stephen told The Independent newspaper: “Reforming the welfare system so that it better meets the needs of disabled people is a priority for the government.”A major part of this is ensuring that Pip is fit and fair for the future – and we are taking an important step to improve the system through new legislation, which will reduce the frequency of reviews for many existing Pip customers,” reports Birmingham Live.”This will make the system more efficient by freeing up the capacity of health professionals to tackle our inherited assessment backlog, while removing unnecessary pressure from disabled claimants whose conditions rarely change at each review.”We are also increasing face-to-face assessments for Pip from six per cent in 2024 to 30 per cent of all assessments. Additionally, my review is looking into how we can bolster PIP for the future, and we have opened a call for evidence for people to share their views on how Pip should be reformed.”However, Fazilet Hadi, Disability Rights UK’s head of policy, raised concerns and said: “It is of concern that face-to-face reviews will increase, as these can be physically and emotionally challenging.”Harriet Edwards, Director of Influencing at the national disability charity Sense, added: “Sense research found over half of disabled PIP claimants with complex needs felt humiliated during their assessment; clearly this process needs to urgently change.”It’s vital that the Timms Review continues to work with disabled people to make the application process for PIP fairer and less distressing.”

One Cambridgeshire council saw a major shake upCounting at the South Cambridgeshire District Council elections on May 8, 2026(Image: Cambridgeshire Live)One Cambridgeshire council saw a political party lose control after 12 years – amid some major changes following the 2026 local elections. The results of the local elections were filtered throughout Thursday (May 7) night and Friday (May 8), with some surprising results coming out across the county.Counts took place for Cambridge City Council, South Cambridgeshire District Council, Huntingdonshire District Council and Peterborough City Council. Elections didn’t take place in Fenland or East Cambridgeshire as they are due to take place next year.Cambridge City Council saw one of the biggest changes, with a major upset for the Labour party. For the last 12 years, the council has been run by a major Labour majority.However on Friday, the party lost six seats to the Green Party. While Labour still remains the largest party, the Green Party has become the second largest and Labour has lost its majority.Of the six seats that Labour lost included leader of the city council, Cameron Holloway. The former leader lost out his seat in Petersfield to Green member Kathryn Fisher.Speaking after the election, Mr Holloway said he was “still pleased” that Labour remained the largest party. He added: “I think there are a lot of people who are feeling disillusioned – feeling a bit fed up and it felt to me like a bit of a protest vote and a bit of a desire for something new.“But there are no easy answers and the Greens offer an easy answer – there is not an easy answer in a complex world. In a world where economies are struggling, where there’s war, we need serious politicians – we don’t need people who are going to give easy answers.”While there were no other major shake ups, other councils did see a slight change in which parties gained elected seats. In South Cambridgeshire, Liberal Democrats initially held 34 of the 45 seats, with nine held by Conservatives, one independent and one vacancy.However in this year’s elections, the Liberal Democrats increased their majority by gaining 43 out of the 45 seats, while Conservatives only got elected for two. MP Pippa Heylings praised the “stonking” result for the party.In Peterborough, the Conservatives became the biggest party in the city. Initially the party held 10 seats, however party members were elected to 13 seats on Friday.Labour originally held the majority number of seats in the council, however its seats dropped from 13 councillors to 11. Reform made the biggest increase in Peterborough, with the party now having five members elected to the council, compared to one before.In Huntingdonshire, no party gained overall control, but the Liberal Democrats came closest by winning 20 seats, with 27 needed for a majority. Conservatives came in as the second largest party, winning 15 seats.This was followed by 10 seats for Reform, four Independents, two for the Greens and one for Labour.

CambridgeshireLive readers have been reacting to news that more than £1 million in fines have been issued to drivers caught illegally using the Mill Road bridge bus gate in CambridgeDavid Prince and Cambridgeshire Live readers05:04, 09 May 2026The bus gate on Mill Road in Cambridge(Image: Cambridgeshire Live)CambridgeshireLive readers have responded with strong opinions to reports that penalties have reached approximately £1 million for Mill Road’s bus gate and traffic restrictions. Much of the discussion centred on which vehicles should be permitted through, enforcement methods, and the actual sum collected.Drivers have been issued with more than £1 million worth of penalties for unlawfully using a bus gate introduced last year. The Mill Road bridge bus gate in Cambridge became operational on March 11, 2025, prohibiting all vehicles apart from buses, emergency services, taxis and registered blue badge holders from travelling the entire length of the road.A Freedom of Information request lodged by the Local Democracy Reporting Service shows that thousands of penalties have been handed out in the year since its introduction. Cambridgeshire County Council has issued a total of 15,483 fines to motorists as of April 29 – amounting to a potential total value of £1,083,810. This figure excludes any reductions applied – such as the 50 per cent discount if the penalty is settled within three weeks. A spokesperson for Cambridgeshire County Council stated the restrictions are “clearly signposted” and help make Mill Road an “enjoyable” and “safe place to visit”.One reader, Calumen Nomen questions: “A Blue Badge is linked to the person, not the vehicle, and can be used in any car where the badge holder is traveling as a driver or passenger. So how does the Council enforce this?”Cybercool feels: “Best thing ever to happen! Now – £1 million in fines, but how much of that has been paid – a MUCH more interesting question to ponder on!”Freddly says: “Anyone who fails to see that this is a bus-gate, or thinks they can get away with it, needs to pay a lot more than £35, because they are certainly breaking many other driving regulations intended to keep the rest of us safe. The council’s reasons for these gates are entirely correct and well stated.Welshknight comments: “Excellent. Increase the fines.”Skipper quotes: “They said: ‘Mill Road bridge is open to buses, those walking, wheeling, and cycling, emergency services, taxis, and vehicles that are exempt, such as those being driven by blue badge holders.’ Basically, then, anything but car drivers, who pay the most tax for road use.”Camssurvivor adds: “It’s all very well issuing fines, but how many are being paid? Perhaps the council could say the amount received, or the percentage paid.”Over on our Facebook page, Roy S comments: “Kerrrchinggg and that is what it was all about!”James R says: “No doubt they are using the money to fix the roads.”John M writes: “Now you know why they shut it just to make money. In many cases, with roadworks on alternative routes.”John Ms believes: “Mill Road continues to thrive since the bus gate was introduced and new businesses are opening.”How do you feel about the Mill Road bus gate a year on? Comment below or HERE to have your say.

Labour lost six seats in Cambridge as the party suffered losses across the countryCameron Holloway, leader of Cambridge City Council(Image: Copyright Unknown)The leader of Cambridge City Council warns “there are no easy answers” after losing his seat to the Green Party. Friday’s local election count turned out to be a good day for the Greens – who walked away with seven seats, six taken from Labour.Speaking after the election, Cllr Holloway said he was still “pleased” that Labour remains the largest party even without a majority. He added that he was proud of their “strong record” while in power on “building council homes, supporting our communities, protecting nature and tackling the climate crisis.”He said: “I think there are a lot of people who are feeling disillusioned – feeling a bit fed up and it felt to me like a bit of a protest vote and a bit of a desire for something new.“But there are no easy answers and the Greens offer an easy answer – there is not an easy answer in a complex world. In a world where economies are struggling, where there’s war, we need serious politicians – we don’t need people who are going to give easy answers.”Kathryn Fisher from the Green party who won the Petersfield seat(Image: Copyright Unknown)Standing in the Petersfield ward, he lost to Kathryn Fisher, who said she was “absolutely ecstatic” to win in a “fantastic day for the Cambridge Greens”.She said: “I think it’s a massive achievement and a message to the Labour Party saying that people are not happy with what you’re doing.”The first Green victory was in Abbey – already one of their strongholds – where Matthew Howard was replaced with Maria Margaret Cleminson. But, as results were declared the party continued to win – taking Arbury, Castle, Coleridge, Newnham, Petersfield and Romsey from Labour.The Liberal Democrats held on to all four of their seats which were up for grabs – Market, Queen Edith’s and two seats in Trumpington, one of which was vacant.

HMRC and Social Security Scotland have confirmed payments due on Monday, May 25 will be paid early on Friday, May 22, with DWP expected to follow the same patternLinda Howard Money and Consumer Writer and Ashlea Hickin Content editor 03:35, 08 May 2026Full list of DWP, HMRC and Social Security Scotland payments which might arrive early due to a bank holiday on May 25(Image: Andy Andrews via Getty Images)Those expecting a State Pension or benefit payment towards the end of this month will receive their money ahead of schedule due to an upcoming bank holiday. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and Social Security Scotland have confirmed that certain payments due on Monday, May 25 will be brought forward, with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) expected to follow suit with a similar amended payment schedule.This is due to DWP offices and phone lines being closed over the bank holiday, as payments are ordinarily processed when all services are fully operational, including webchat and Jobcentre Plus offices.Payments including State Pension, Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Child Benefits, Adult Disability Payment (ADP) and Attendance Allowance due on Monday, May 25 will land in bank accounts on Friday, May 22.Below is a full list of DWP, HMRC and Social Security Scotland payments which could be affected by the May bank holidays, reports the Daily Record.It is worth noting that if your forthcoming payment does not fall on Monday, May 25, it will be issued as normal.DWP May bank holiday payment date changesDWP has yet to formally confirm any payment date changes, but is anticipated to follow the same revised schedule as HMRC and Social Security Scotland.Payments due to be made on Monday, May 25 will be issued on Friday, May 22.Payments affected:Attendance AllowanceCarer’s AllowanceEmployment Support Allowance (ESA)Income SupportJobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)Pension CreditPersonal Independence Payment (PIP)State PensionUniversal CreditHMRC May bank holiday payment date changesPayments due to be made on Monday, May 25 will be issued on Friday, May 22.Payments affected:Child BenefitGuardian’s AllowanceSocial Security Scotland May bank holiday payment date changesPayments due to be made on Monday, May 25 will be issued on Friday, May 22.Payments affected:Adult Disability PaymentChild Disability PaymentScottish Child PaymentCarer Support PaymentPension Age Disability PaymentScottish Adult Disability Living AllowanceSocial Security Scotland has confirmed Best Start Foods payments will not be affected.

The developer argued there was a need for affordable housing across East CambridgeshireThe land off Cambridge Road near Stretham(Image: Google)A development of 100 affordable homes which was refused for being “too big” for a village will now go ahead following a successful appeal.A proposal for 83 homes had already been approved on the land at the edge of Stretham, off the A10 near Ely, but permission was sought for a further 43. East Cambridgeshire District Council refused the application for 126 homes which they said went far above the affordable housing need in Stretham and nearby Little Thetford.Long Term Land Limited appealed the decision and said there is “an ongoing and acute need for more affordable housing” in both East Cambridgeshire and Stretham. They said half of the homes will be affordable rental properties and the other half will be sold for affordable home ownership.A range of road improvements are also proposed including street lighting, a puffin crossing, footpath improvements and measures to reduce vehicle speeds.‘History’ of affordable housing schemesA hearing was held by the Planning Inspectorate on March 4 and 5 with inspector T Burnham visiting the site on the second day. They noted “a history” of affordable housing schemes being granted outline planning permission on the land.Initially refused by the council, permission for up to 19 homes was granted on appeal in 2023 and up to 38 were allowed by the council later that year. The need for affordable housing in the area was said to be between 44 and 72 homes, which the council said was “appropriately met” by the approved 83 homes.The inspector agreed, but said Stretham is linked by buses to Ely and Cambridge which both have a “wide range of services” and “railway stations served by multiple routes”. They added that the “harm and implications” from building too many affordable homes “has not been clearly made out to me”.Inspector Burnham said the benefits of the homes “should be afforded substantial weight” and approved the appeal.

The DWP said the measure aims to free up health professionals to carry out more face-to-face assessments and deliver more Work Capability Assessment (WCA) reassessmentsLinda Howard Money and Consumer Writer and Ashlea Hickin Content editor 03:28, 07 May 2026The measure is part of plans to reduce the Work Capability Assessment backlog and separate from the Timms Review(Image: Alphotographic via Getty Images)The UK Government unveiled proposals to extend the duration of awards for individuals making fresh claims for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) this year, in a bid to help clear the backlog of Work Capability Assessments (WCA). The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) stated the initiative seeks to enable health professionals to conduct more face-to-face assessments and complete additional WCA reassessments.Currently, the interval between PIP award reviews can be as brief as nine months, and the majority of recipients do not experience any alteration to their award at review. This is set to be extended for most PIP claimants aged 25 and above to a minimum of three years for fresh claims, increasing to five years at their subsequent review should they continue to qualify.These operational modifications are distinct from the Timms Review, which will examine the function of PIP, eligibility for the daily living and mobility components, assessment process and the criteria in supporting disabled people to achieve better health, higher living standards and greater independence.The new measure was implemented in April alongside amendments to Universal Credit that reduce the disparity between what individuals receive for unemployment compared to long-term sickness. The changes will see the UK Government honour a pledge made in the Pathways to Work Green Paper to increase face-to-face assessments, following their reduction during the COVID-19 pandemic. Contracts agreed by the previous government had required 80 per cent of assessments to be conducted remotely — by telephone, video call, or paper-based means.The proportion of face-to-face assessments is set to rise significantly, with PIP assessments increasing from six per cent in 2024 (57,000) to 30 per cent of all assessments, and the WCA from 13 per cent in 2024 (74,000) to 30 per cent, reports the Daily Record.The UK Government stated it is delivering these changes and “reforming the broken welfare system it inherited” by extending the intervals between assessments to verify whether a claimant’s condition still qualifies them for PIP, freeing up healthcare professionals to conduct more face-to-face assessments and carry out additional WCA reassessments.It added: “Reassessments play an important role in taking account of how changes in health conditions and disabilities affect people over time.”Collectively, the measures are anticipated to save the UK taxpayer £1.9 billion by the end of 2030/31, and are accompanied by employment support initiatives targeting sick or disabled individuals, including Connect to Work and the redeployment of 1,000 work coaches.Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Pat McFadden recently said: “We’re committed to reforming the welfare system we inherited, which for too long has written off millions as too sick to work.”That is why we are ramping up the number of assessments we do face-to-face and taking action to tackle the inherited backlog of people waiting for a Work Capability Assessment.”These reforms will allow us to save £1.9 billion, creating a welfare state that supports those who need it while helping people into work and delivering fairness to the taxpayer.”

Thousands of fines were issued to drivers illegally using the bus gateThousands of fines have been handed out in the first year of the bus gate’s operation(Image: LDRS)More than £1 million worth of fines have been issued to drivers for illegally using a bus gate introduced last year. The Mill Road bridge bus gate in Cambridge came into effect on March 11, 2025, banning vehicles except for buses, emergency services, taxi and blue badge holders’ registered vehicles from driving the full length of the road.A Freedom of Information request submitted by the Local Democracy Reporting Service reveals that thousands of fines have been issued in the year since. Cambridgeshire County Council has issued a total of 15,483 fines to drivers as of April 29 – worth up to a total value of £1,083,810.This figure does not take into account any discounts applied – such as the 50 per cent reduction if the fine is paid within three weeks. A spokesperson for Cambridgeshire County Council said the restrictions are “clearly signposted” and help make Mill Road an “enjoyable” and “safe place to visit”.They said: “Mill Road bridge is open to buses, those walking, wheeling, and cycling, emergency services, taxis, and vehicles that are exempt, such as those being driven by blue badge holders.“Mill Road is the centre of a community. We want it to be an enjoyable, safe place to visit and to encourage more people to come into the area. Reducing motorised through traffic and installing the bus gate helps achieve this.”Anyone driving illegally through the bus gate can be issued with a Penalty Charge Notice of £70, reduced to £35 if paid within 21 days. Failure to pay the fine within 28 days will result in the charge increasing to £105.It was the second time Cambridge County Council agreed to issue a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) to install the bus gate after a first attempt was quashed after a legal challenge.In the first seven weeks of the bus gate being fully operational, 4,677 fines were issued to drivers who breached the restrictions. A formal warning period was in place at the start of 2025, issuing warnings to drivers who breached the restrictions but not actual fines.

Some locals feel their village is ‘left behind’ by a district councilPaul Whitcombe, from Cottenham(Image: Cambridgeshire Live)Cottenham locals say their village is at the “back of the queue” in local politics, ahead of elections this week. People across Cambridgeshire, including South Cambridgeshire, will cast their vote in local elections on Thursday (May 7).Several Cottenham residents have shared what they’d like to see from those elected to South Cambridgeshire District Council. All seats are up for re-election across the district council. You can see a full list of candidates here.Paul Whitcombe would like to see more of a focus placed on the village, as he feels that Cottenham is treated as being at the “back of the queue”. He added: “I think Cottenham is not well-served by South Cambridgeshire. It’s frustrating.”Paul would also like to see more work done on the village roads. He said: “More needs to be done for the potholes. To give you an idea, I had to get a new tyre because I hit a pothole. You can’t talk to the district council about it because it’s a highway issue.”Paul also feels it’s “difficult” to navigate local government in Cambridgeshire as a whole. He added: “We have an elected mayor, we have a combined authority, we have several district councils and we have a county council. This is a county of around 700,000 people, and we have so much governance.”Cottenham in Cambridgeshire(Image: Cambridgeshire Live)From those elected, Paul also wants to see improvements to village broadband, transport, and access to green spaces. He added: “There are no benefits to the guided busway. We have a declining bus service. It’s also hard to get to the countryside. There is one place called Les King Wood.“You need to drive to get to it. Also with the broadband, I used to have Virgin but that was too expensive. I then went to BT. I’m right in the centre of the village, but the broadband is patchy. There is an absence of speed. There is a sense the village is back of the queue when it comes to things like this.”One woman, who wished to remain anonymous, similarly said that she feels the village is “forgotten about”. She added: “For any problem there is, it feels like we are always last for sorting things like potholes. I know that is a problem everywhere, but it feels like it takes ages for one small pothole to be filled.”The woman also feels broadband is a problem. She added: “The broadband in the area needs sorting. We have been promised faster, but we still don’t have top speeds. I just want to see more of a focus on the village and for it to not be left behind.”Other villagers would also like to see elected district councillors push the county council to improve Cottenham’s roads. Adam McDermott said: “The roads have bumps everywhere. I hate driving down some roads because I worry my tyre is going to pop.“It would just be nice for those elected to do more for the village. It feels like sometimes we are missing out or are the last to get benefits.”

Even though Page said he kept the stash under lock and key, Marks said the property was in a residential area and potentially within reach of children if he was not “100% vigilant”.Had the shed been burgled and the items got into the wrong hands, “the consequences could have been very serious”, the judge added.During police interviews, Page denied holding an extreme right-wing mindset, despite having an email address which referenced numbers associated with Adolf Hitler and a tattoo linked to white supremacy, police said.Page had pleaded guilty to two counts of possessing a document or record likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism.He also admitted two counts of possessing an explosive substance, four counts of possessing a firearm without a certificate, two counts related to the possession of a prohibited firearm, possession of prohibited ammunition and possession of ammunition without a certificate.Page had also been convicted of child abuse in the US in 2006.