Taxing times

The unwanted combined Cambridgeshire and Peterborough authority foisted on us by Tory city councillors will reveal plenty of nasty surprises I predict. Already it’s emerged the new mayor will be able to add to our council tax bill (up five per cent this year). City council leader John Holdich says there are no plans for the new authority to levy tax adding: “I’m absolutely certain at this point in time we will not be voting for that unless there is something special the public wants.’’ I think the phrase “at this point’’ is what’s known as wriggle room.