Residents across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough can expect a decision on local government reorganisation by early 2027, the government confirmed today (Thursday 29 October).
The timetable provides greater clarity for residents and councils 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 the new councils' 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 Katie Thornburrow, Leader of Cambridge City Council, said: “I welcome the update on the timeline for Local Government Reorganisation – having more certainty around the nature of future arrangements for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough by early 2027 will mean we will then be able to start work in earnest on shaping a new unitary authority which will come into being from April 2029.
“I’d like to reassure Cambridge residents that we will continue to work collaboratively with our other local council colleagues as soon as we know what the government’s decision is within the next few months, and ensure that services run as normal throughout the transition from current council arrangements into a new unitary authority.”
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 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.
