UK Government Criticizes Council's Permanent Four-Day Week

South Cambridgeshire District Council has made a four-day working week permanent after a 2023 trial. An independent DJS Research open consultation of more than 1,000 residents found statistically significant declines in satisfaction in nine of 13 services and only 36% support for the change. The council pointed to a separate "representative" survey showing fewer service drops and defended the policy as delivering about £400,000 in annual savings, a 41% fall in staff turnover, increased job applications, and continued strong re-letting performance. Communities Secretary Steve Reed wrote a letter expressing "deep disappointment," citing deteriorations in housing-related services — including rent collection, re-letting times, repairs and tenant satisfaction — and requesting assurances and meetings to understand how impacts will be mitigated. Ministers warned other local authorities about value for money and protecting vulnerable residents but said they have no legal power to force councils to reverse working-pattern decisions. The dispute has prompted local Conservative opposition and wider political scrutiny over whether shortened working weeks risk harming public services and taxpayer value.