Time running out to have your say about local government shake-up that could scrap Peterborough City Council

The deadline set by the government for the public’s thoughts on the overhaul, which would spell the end of Peterborough City Council as it stands, is 11.59pm on Thursday (March 26).

Under the proposed changes, Peterborough City Council and Cambridgeshire’s existing two-tier system of one county and five district and city councils, will be replaced with new unitary authorities from 2028.

The council’s preferred option – known as option D was submitted to ministers in November last year.

If approved it would mean the creation of three new unitary authorities in Cambridgeshire. One for Peterborough and West Huntingdonshire, one for Fenland, East Huntingdonshire, East Cambridgeshire, and another for South Cambridgeshire, Cambridge City.

Councillor Shabina Qayyum, leader of the city council, said: “Option D, the Greater Peterborough option, preserves our identity.

"We are unique as a city from the rest of the region.

"We have a densely diverse core surrounded by our leafy green villages and it is essential we preserve that identity

“The Government wants to hear what local people think about the four options that are being put forward for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

"I would urge you to read the consultation and take part to make sure your voice is heard in the decision-making of one of the best changes we have faced for decades.”

What are the proposals submitted for consideration?

The seven councils in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough submitted the following proposals:

• 1. Peterborough City Council and Fenland District Council proposed three unitary councils (Option D) splitting Huntingdonshire District Council areas between two of 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

• 2. Cambridge City Council, East Cambridgeshire District Council and South Cambridgeshire District Council proposed two unitary councils (Option B).

These would comprise the district areas of:

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

Greater Cambridge: Cambridge, South Cambridgeshire

• 3. Cambridgeshire County Council proposed two unitary councils (Option A).

These would comprise the district areas of:

North West: Peterborough, Fenland, Huntingdonshire

South East: Cambridge, East Cambridgeshire, South Cambridgeshire

• 4. Huntingdonshire District Council proposed three unitary councils (Option E).

These would comprise the district areas of:

North East: Peterborough, Fenland, East Cambridgeshire

Central Huntingdonshire: Huntingdonshire

South West: Cambridge, South Cambridgeshire

How do I make my views known?

In order to have your say visit the Government’s website here.

Remember, the consultation will close at 11.59pm on Thursday (March 26).