Peterborough residents encouraged to have their say on Local Government Reorganisation

Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) is one of the hottest topics around at the moment so it is only right that Peterborians – along with others living across our region – get to have their say on the potential outcome.

“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape what works best for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough,” said Councillor Lucy Nethsingha, Leader of Cambridgeshire County Council.

LGR is essentially a central government initiative to transfer more powers (and funding) away from national governance to local authorities by replacing the current two-tier system of district and county councils in England with larger unitary authorities.

Essentially, Peterborough City Council as Peterborians know it will cease to exist in two years’ time.

With this in mind, central government has announced a public consultation period seeking views from residents from right across the region on the following options. All of these options were recommended by councils across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough at the end of last year:

Peterborough City Council and Fenland District Council proposed three unitary councils. This option includes a request to split existing district council areas between the proposed new councils. These would comprise the district areas of:

Greater Peterborough: Peterborough and nine wards from Huntingdonshire

Mid Cambridgeshire: Fenland, East Cambridgeshire and 17 wards from Huntingdonshire

Greater Cambridge: Cambridge, South Cambridgeshire

Huntingdonshire District Council proposed three unitary councils. These would comprise the district areas of:

North East: Peterborough, Fenland, East Cambridgeshire

Central Huntingdonshire: Huntingdonshire

South West: Cambridge, South Cambridgeshire

Cambridge City Council, East Cambridgeshire District Council and South Cambridgeshire District Council proposed two unitary councils. These would comprise the district areas of:

North Cambridgeshire and Peterborough: Peterborough, Huntingdonshire, East Cambridgeshire, Fenland

Greater Cambridge: Cambridge, South Cambridgeshire

Cambridgeshire County Council proposed two unitary councils. These would comprise the district areas of:

North West: Peterborough, Fenland, Huntingdonshire;

South East: Cambridge, East Cambridgeshire, South Cambridgeshire

It is important to note that these recommendations were made based on each authority’s preferences. Ultimately, it will be central government that has the final say on how the new councils will look.

Cllr Nethsingha acknowledged LGR is likely to generate a great deal of debate, much of it empassioned:

“LGR is emotive, and views differ,” she observed.

“This really matters,” she added. “We need as many people and organisations as possible to respond.”

Residents have until March 26, 2026 to contribute their views to the consultation. People can view the options in more detail and submit their views online.