Mayor's View: Why the Mayor matters for Peterborough

Last week showed exactly why it matters.

I was in the room with the Housing Secretary and ministers from across Government, alongside mayors from across England, where I was making the case for more investment in Peterborough and Cambridgeshire.

At the Mayoral Council in Bristol we made the call for the powers and funding we need to grow. And when mayors speak together, Government listens.

That’s something our city didn’t have before devolution, and something I’m determined to make the most of.

Because too many decisions affecting places like Peterborough are still made in Whitehall, often without a full understanding of the opportunities and challenges on the ground. And for too long, our region hasn’t had its fair share of funding for essential services like transport, health and infrastructure.

Only last year, Government pulled out of dualling the A47 between Wansford and Sutton, a project which would have made a real difference here.

But on the other hand, it was devolution and the formation of the Combined Authority that kickstarted the decades-long ambition to build a new university for Peterborough. ARU Peterborough is perhaps the most visible example of what can be achieved when Mayors are given the power and funding to get things done.

Regenerating our city centre through a Mayoral Development Corporation is the next prize that is only possible because of the powers of having a Mayor.

And, to be clear, this isn’t about me. It’s about ensuring decisions that affect local people are taken locally, with clear accountability.

In Bristol, I joined other mayors in making the case for fiscal devolution so areas like ours can keep more of the tax revenue we generate. The Treasury will work with mayors on how that could happen. That’s a significant shift, and a real opportunity for places like Peterborough.

I want a growing economy that benefits local people with more jobs and opportunity. And as our economy grows, I also want to see that reflected in better transport, good homes and stronger public services. A Mayor with the right powers can help make that happen.

In Bristol we saw progress on the English Devolution Bill, expected to become law in the coming months. That will mean more flexibility for mayors and new powers to get things done locally, not waiting for central approval.

So I'm delighted to be in those rooms, arguing our case, challenging when things aren’t fair, and working with others to get results. It’s about making sure Peterborough isn’t overlooked.

There’s more to do. We need a fairer funding settlement and the ability to move faster when opportunities come.

But the direction is clear. Power is shifting away from Whitehall and closer to the places it affects.

And for Peterborough, that means a stronger voice, a clearer say, and a better chance of securing the investment and growth our city deserves.

That’s why the Mayor matters.