Cambridgeshire County Council has blamed the funding crisis on the Government s decision to give the county one of the lowest grant increases for next year. The massive growth in population we are facing places huge demand upon public services – more old

Cambridgeshire County Council has blamed the funding crisis on the Government's decision to give the county one of the lowest grant increases for next year.

"The massive growth in population we are facing places huge demand upon public services - more older people to care for, traffic on our roads and waste requiring disposal" said Cllr Walters. "And yet no account is taken for this in our funding settlement from Government.

"We have been vigorously looking at all services to reduce spending and will be saving over £6 million this year through a range of efficiencies. But that still leaves us with a massive funding gap which needs to be bridged.

"I don't want to cut services especially in key areas like highway maintenance, support for public transport and home care support for older people and young disabled people. But nor can I expect the Council Tax payer, especially older people and those on fixed incomes to compensate for the Government's inadequate settlement for Cambridgeshire."

A leaflet and questionnaire outlining the possible options is being widely distributed to parish councils, schools and businesses and can be found in public libraries.

The council is also organising a telephone survey amongst a representative sample of Cambridgeshire residents and councillors will be on hand at larger libraries to answer questions.