East Cambridgeshire Tories have vowed to freeze the district council’s share of the Council Tax again in 2016/17 if they are returned to power in the upcoming elections.

The party launched its manifesto on Tuesday with the promise of cutting waste and bureaucracy in order to protect services in the future.

The party says “radical” decisions taken over the last parliament have left the district council in a strong position financially and trumpeted its role in creating a “can’do” attitude at the authority.

Leader of Conservative group, Councillor James Palmer, said: “We have taken some difficult and radical decisions over the last four years, not least, cutting 14 posts from the senior management team. Tight control of the budget and sound financial management are the absolute cornerstone to delivering our ambitious plans.

“We will continue to drive the council hard for more savings and cutting of red tape - there is a real ‘can do’ attitude at the council now, with junior staff being empowered to take decisions and put forward ideas.

“East Cambs is a small authority but it really does punch above its weight and I am excited for the future.”

Other pledges made by the Conservatives include encouraging more community land trusts, aiming to increase the district’s recycling rate to 60 per cent, improve sports and leisure facilities across East Cambs, and the continuation of free parking.

The party is also pledging to expand parking at Angel Drove, in Ely, and at the railway station in Littleport.

The district council elections are taking place on Thursday, May 7.

Visit http://www.secca.org.uk/district-council-election-2015 for more information