Councils and Democracy

Learn about the local government institutions and electoral wards

The Councils

The Cambridge City Council and the Cambridgesire County Council are two distinct entities that both exerce authority in Cambridge, each with its own responsibilities.

Cambridge City Council

Contact Cambridge City Council for information on:

  • Sport and leisure
  • Community development
  • Voting and local councillors
  • Council tax
  • Bins, rubbish and recycling
  • Benefits and support
  • Planning
  • Homelessness and housing advice

When moving in, don’t forget to register for Council Tax. The occupant is responsible for paying council tax. Tell the Council as soon as you have moved in to ensure that you are charged the correct amount.

Cambridgeshire County Council

Contact Cambridgesire County Council for information on:

  • Education, including applying for a school place
  • Bus passes
  • Libraries
  • Highways
  • Child and adult social care services
  • Family support services

Surrounding government bodies

South Cambridgeshire District Council

Darwin Green lies on the border of Cambridge City and South Cambridgeshire District Council and you may wish to find out more about the services that fall within their remit.

For information visit the South Cambridgeshire District Council’s website.

Girton

Darwin Green sits on the border of South Cambridgeshire, and the closest village on the other side of this border is Girton, so you may be interested in finding out what is happening there. You can visit the Girton Parish Council webpage, and look at their Community Newsletters.

Local democracy and councillors

Who are the Councillors?

To find out who your local Cambridge City Councillors are, visit the Cambridge City Council’s website and search for “councillors”.

To find out who your local Cambridgeshire County Councillors are, visit the Councillors webpage from the County Council’s website.

Voting in Castle ward

Castle ward is the electoral ward covering Darwin Green. When moving in, do not forget to register to vote or to update your details, so you can vote at the next elections, if you have the right to do so. For more details on how to register for voting, look at the City Council’s page on voting.