Council tax across East Cambridgeshire will "only be raised as a last resort between now and 2027", as part of a renewed commitment to help with the cost-of-living crisis, says ECDC.

East Cambridgeshire District Council (ECDC) says it is continuing its council tax commitment as part of its new corporate plan, which sets out the council’s priorities for the coming four years.

Commitments have also been made to invest millions in protecting the environment, improving sustainable transport options and increasing the number of affordable homes available for local residents.

Council leader Anna Bailey, said: “We really pride ourselves as being a small but mighty council.

"Over the next four years we are packing a lot in to help us meet our three key priorities of sound financial management, creating a cleaner, greener East Cambridgeshire and delivering sustainable communities.

“I, for one, am extremely excited with the innovative approach this council is taking to adapting to our changing world and environment and making our district a fantastic place to live, work and visit.”

In a statement, the council said it will work with community land trusts and the East Cambs Trading Company to continue to deliver genuinely affordable housing that enables people to live and work locally.

"Working with partners such as Sustrans and the Cambridge and Peterborough Combined Authority, the council will also continue its work to improve cycling routes, support phase 2 of Soham Railway and lobby for improved bus services, ECDC says.

The council has also officially pledged to oppose the introduction of congestion charging in Cambridge, which it sees as having a "negative impact on residents who travel to the city for jobs, education and important services, like healthcare".

Subject to a business case being approved, proposals for a state-of-the-art bereavement centre to include an eco-crematorium, woodland burial site and pet cemetery all set in the grounds of a beautiful lakeside nature reserve at Mepal, will also go ahead.

As part of its Project Street Smart the council will also be introducing bin lorries which run on hydrotreated vegetable oil, digitising its waste service, improving recycling targets and bringing in black wheeled bins for residents.