Residents across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough can expect a decision on local government reorganisation by early 2027, the Government confirmed today (Thursday 29).
The timetable provides greater clarity for councils, residents and staff as work on local government reorganisation progresses following a pause in the programme announced by Government in September.
Elections to new Unitary Authorities are scheduled for May 2028 and their official launch – known as vesting day - is planned for 1 April 2029. Local elections scheduled in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough for May 2027 will still go ahead for existing councils.
Cllr Bridget Smith, Leader of South Cambridgeshire District Council, said: “While we still await a decision on the future arrangements for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, it is important that residents know services will continue to run as normal throughout this process. Our focus remains on delivering the services residents rely on every day and ensuring any transition is as smooth as possible. Whether people depend on us for bin collections, housing support, planning, benefits or other vital services, they can be assured those services will continue uninterrupted. We look forward to learning more about the options being considered for our area and will keep residents updated as soon as further information becomes available."
Jim McMahon, Minister for Local Government, Devolution and Growth, also announced that Cambridgeshire and Peterborough will receive £500,000 in transition funding to support ongoing work on local government reorganisation.
The Government had previously announced all areas would receive £900,000 of transitional funding for each new Unitary Authority so further clarification is needed on the detail of the £500,000 announced today and how that will apply to Cambridgeshire and Peterborough against the previous commitments.
Background
In December 2024, the national Government set out plans to move towards a new system of local government, abolishing all ‘two-tier’ areas in England. That means that the below councils in Cambridgeshire will be replaced by a number of unitary authorities:
- Cambridge City Council
- Cambridgeshire County Council
- East Cambridgeshire District Council
- Fenland District Council
- Huntingdonshire District Council
- Peterborough City Council
- South Cambridgeshire District Council
The options for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough being considered by Government can be found here.
Today’s Government announcement can be read here.
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