Calls for future of Peterborough City Council to be decided as soon as possible after delay in Local Government Reorganisation announcement
Political leaders have urged a decision to be made on a major restructure in how councils are formed in Cambridgeshire.
The Government had been expected to announce how Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) would impact the county last week.
LGR would see the way councils are set up changed dramatically – with Peterborough merging with a number of other authorities in a bid to simplify how local government is set up.
However, last week it was announced a decision about Cambridgeshire would be made later this year.
Now council leaders in the county – including Peterborough – have all called for a decision to be made as soon as possible.
In a joint message, 7 Council Leaders and Chief Executives from Cambridgeshire and Peterborough’s councils said: “Council leaders across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough are calling on the Government's new Secretary of State to make an early decision on Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) proposals for the area.
“Last week, the Government announced decisions on reorganisation proposals in 14 areas across the country. However, while the four options submitted by councils in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough were considered, ministers said more time was needed before a final decision could be reached.
“During a meeting with officials from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) this week, council leaders reiterated the importance of securing a decision as early as possible. While the Government has indicated that a decision will be made by October, leaders stressed that an earlier conclusion would provide greater certainty and help meet the demanding timetable for establishing new councils that are safe, legally compliant and able to continue delivering high-quality services to residents and businesses.
“This week, Leaders and Chief Executives from Cambridgeshire and Peterborough authorities were informed by Government officials that the information submitted in support of all four proposals was comprehensive, with no additional evidence required.
“The former Secretary of State highlighted the national importance of the Cambridge region and said the delay was intended to ensure sufficient time is taken to reach the right decision for the area.
“Despite the uncertainty, council leaders have reaffirmed their commitment to working together collaboratively throughout the process and to delivering the best possible outcomes for local communities, residents and businesses.
“Cambridgeshire and Peterborough is one of only two areas where a decision has been deferred, alongside West Sussex.”
What is LGR?
In April 2028, the current seven councils in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough (including Peterborough City Council), will be replaced by larger unitary authorities.
When this happens, Peterborough City Council as it is known today will cease to exist.
Described as a “once-in-a-generation” overhaul, LGR is a move by central government to replace the current two-tier system of district and county councils in England with larger unitary authorities.
Those who back LGR say that having fewer layers of councils will also save money, enable faster decision-making and reduce duplication of work.
Peterborough City Council – and MPs Andrew Pakes and Sam Carling – have been pushing for the ‘Greater Peterborough’ option.
This would see one council made up of Peterborough and West Huntingdonshire, a second council made up of Fenland, East Huntingdonshire and, East Cambridgeshire, and a third council made up of South Cambridgeshire and Cambridge City.