Conservative councillor for Soham South, Lucius Vellacott, writes his monthly column.

The Combined Authority mayoral precept will shortly rise by 200 per cent. This includes residents in Soham helping to fund a £256.43 per journey in Trumpington where just seven journeys a week are made, and there are other such examples.

I have therefore discussed with the mayor replacing this with a service via Wicken and Soham, and improving services at the train station. This would link our rural area with the world. I am awaiting a response from his officers.

I met with Staploe Medical Centre about their application for a new practice alongside the Eastern Gateway. I fully support efforts for a new medical centre, and will support the most appropriate and feasible way to get one, both for the town and the NHS.

East Cambridgeshire District Council is proposing to freeze its portion of council tax for the eleventh year, becoming the only authority in the UK to do so. We continue to provide a quality service to local people by using our trading companies responsibly, working with police on parking enforcement and more.

The council plans to build a Bereavement Centre in Mepal. If approved, its revenue will be reinvested into our budget and help keep taxation low. More importantly, East Cambs will be supporting bereaved residents, protecting the rich biodiversity on the site and providing a deeply intimate service for local people.

Lucy Frazer MP will be holding an open meeting with residents on February 17, at 9.45am at the Walter Gidney Pavilion. She is very much looking forward to meeting residents.

The East Cambs community hub in Soham continues every Wednesday, from 10am-12pm at the Library. Members of the team will be available to advise on housing, welfare benefits, energy concerns, finances and more.

The next full council meeting will be held on February 20 at 4.30pm to discuss the budget and more.

I am always available for a chat via lucius.vellacott@eastcambs.gov.uk.