Christmas for me starts with the Carol Service held for Cambridgeshire Schools at King's College Cambridge in early December. The Christmas story has many reminders for us all - whatever our background or faith - that although we look forward to the festive season celebrated with our friends and family here in Cambridgeshire; we also look for a world of peace and hope.
Over the year it has been my privilege to participate in Citizenship ceremonies at New Shire Hall where we welcome new UK citizens from across the world who have chosen to make Cambridgeshire their home.
We continue to support people who have sought refuge here or who are part of the wider support networks set up for those displaced by the invasion of Ukraine. We hold in our hearts our neighbours and friends from Cambridgeshire's communities affected by conflicts across the world - and in particular in the Middle East.
I was particularly proud of the Council’s commitment – made in July – to recognise care experience as a ‘protected characteristic’. Future decisions, services and policies made and adopted by the Council will now be assessed to determine the impact of changes on people with care experience.
The cost of living continues to create challenges for many of us - and Cambridgeshire County Council remains determined to help improve people’s lives and to support our residents through these difficult times.
The impact of inflation, rising demands for services and cuts in government funding present a very difficult situation for the Council’s budget but as ever, we are committed to our vision to make Cambridgeshire a greener, fairer and more caring county.
I wish you, your families, friends and communities a wonderful festive season and a happy, hopeful New Year.
Cllr Sebastian Kindersley - Chair of Cambridgeshire County Council.
