On Monday, April 13, we put a simple question to our readers: ‘What do you think are the most pressing Peterborough issues that the new council will need to tackle following next month’s local elections?’

In less than 24 hours, we received hundreds of replies on social media from people of all ages and backgrounds, eager to share their thoughts, feelings and opinions.

We put these concerns to all six of the local party leaders who are campaigning to become Leader of the Council on May 8.

This is what the leader of the Labour Party and current Leader of the Council, Councillor Shabina Qayyum, said she would do to tackle the city’s most pressing issues if her party triumphed in the 2026 local elections.

Cllr Qayyum says that work is ongoing to support major improvements to Cathedral Square and the Guildhall

placeholder image — Cllr Qayyum says that work is ongoing to support major improvements to Cathedral Square and the Guildhall

PT READERS HAVE VOICED ANXIETIES ABOUT THE STATE OF PETERBOROUGH CITY CENTRE, WITH ISSUES LIKE BEGGING, ABSENT TOILETS, STREET-SLEEPING, AND CRIPPLING BUSINESS RATES BEING OF PARTICULAR CONCERN. WHAT WILL YOU DO, IF YOU RETAIN LEADERSHIP OF THE CITY COUNCIL ON MAY 8, TO IMPROVE THE CITY CENTRE?

“Delivering new, accessible public toilets is an immediate priority, funded through our £1.5m Pride in Place Impact Fund. This funding will also support major improvements to Cathedral Square and the Guildhall, helping to restore civic pride and create a welcoming environment for residents, visitors, and businesses alike.

“The Business Improvement District, under Peterborough Positive, has strengthened our delivery and shown visible results. Where the previous administration removed the market, Labour will look to reintroduce it, recognising its importance to the local economy and community life. Look out for the hot wash and flower planters in the city centre, showing we are delivering!

“We are backing businesses with practical support. With government support, our administration has delivered £5.7m in business rates relief to over 2,100 businesses. Small businesses with a rateable value under £12,000 pay no rates at all, while those up to £15,000 benefit from reduced bills. Thousands more benefit from lower multipliers and small business protections, while charities, pubs, and live music venues receive additional relief—helping protect Peterborough’s cultural life. These policies have contributed to one of the lowest retail vacancy rates in the country. The Government has just announced cutting energy bills for businesses. This is all on our watch.”

MANY PT READERS HIGHLIGHTED EXPENSIVE PARKING AND POT-HOLED ROADS AS ISSUES THEY’D LIKE TO SEE THE NEW COUNCIL TACKLE AT PACE. HOW WOULD YOU GO ABOUT DEALING WITH THESE ISSUES IF YOU WERE TO REMAIN COUNCIL LEADER?

“Last year, while 1,357 potholes were reported, our teams repaired 2,431—showing we are actively monitoring and improving our road network. We are also investing in preventative surface treatments to reduce future damage and deliver better value for taxpayers, work in action, not just promises.

“On parking, we made three separate proposals for free parking to Mayor Paul Bristow, all of which were rejected. Instead, residents now face public money being spent on private provision as he has gone to private providers. Our offer remains on the table, including proposals such as free parking at all sites, which would have supported families and visitors into the city centre. The next step now sits with the Mayor. We don't want gimmicks; he needs to show delivery.”

ISSUES WITH CRIME &ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR IN THE CITY ARE CLEARLY UPPERMOST IN PT READERS’ MINDS. MANY HAVE SUGGESTED DEPLOYING MORE VISIBLE POLICE FOOT PATROLS TO DETER CRIMINALITY AND MAKE PEOPLE FEEL SAFE. IS THIS SOMETHING YOU WOULD CONSIDER IF YOU WERE TO BE RE-ELECTED LEADER?

“A visible presence deters crime, which is why we are doubling City Enforcement Officers, expanding parking enforcement teams, and extending operating hours into the evening. Our 24/7 CCTV network works directly with the police, and through the Safer Peterborough Partnership and the BID with Peterborough Positive, we deliver joint foot patrols targeting anti‑social behaviour, shoplifting, and street crime.

“The Labour Government has already delivered 12 additional police officers locally. My own manifesto commitment is to deliver a Youth Zone for the city, especially vital in light of recent gang‑related violence. Previous administrations closed youth centres; Labour is investing in prevention and opportunity.”

AND, FINALLY - FLY-TIPPING. WHAT WOULD BE YOUR NEW ADMINISTRATION’S APPROACH TO TACKLING THIS PERSISTENTLY TROUBLESOME ISSUE?

“By bringing Aragon Direct Services back in‑house, we now have the tools to tackle fly‑tipping decisively. This also enables affordable bulky waste collections and stronger enforcement, including new powers to fine offenders and fund clean‑ups.

“We are restoring pride in our neighbourhoods; putting back what the Conservative Administration in their years took away in recent years and building a cleaner, fairer Peterborough for everyone.”