Councillor Sam Chapman-Allen, Chairman of the District Councils’ Network, said:

“Many councils are experiencing unprecedented difficulties with the recruitment and retention of staff. South Cambridgeshire’s trial of a four-day week is one potential way of tackling this problem.

“As local leaders, councils know their places best and should be free to devise the solutions which work best for them and their residents.

“The sovereignty of councils to innovate and find local answers to local challenges should remain paramount. Local councillors are democratically accountable for their decisions at the ballot box.”