Benefits of LGR

Overview

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough will change from seven county, city and district councils to new unitary, or single tier, councils.

• Three preferred options are being developed, each creating two new unitary authorities.  

• Cambridgeshire County Council is leading on the development of Option A. 

• The County Council’s political administration believes that, based on the evidence so far, Option A best meets the criteria of government and will be most beneficial to our communities.

Option A for the future of our area would see Cambridgeshire and Peterborough divided into two new unitary authorities, the North and South. Each anchored by one of our major cities, Cambridge and Peterborough, with both council's serving both urban and rural communities.

Benefits

Find out why we believe this is the most equal and effective option for you, the people who live and work in our historic county.

Equality

Option A delivers equality for communities across our region 

• Anchored by Cambridge and Peterborough, Option A creates two well-balanced councils.  

• It offers financial strength and fairer treatment for all communities.  

• No area will be unduly advantaged or disadvantaged in this option.

Option A would deliver the most equal distribution of population and land area when compared to the other two options; offering a balance between rural countryside and urban areas.  

Looking at our data and insights, by 2041 there would be an estimated 581,000 people in the North and 507,000 in the South.  

By 2041, the difference between population sizes in Option A is expected to be 6.8%. In comparison the difference in Option B is expected to be 26.2% and the difference in Option C is expected to be 12.8%. 

We want to ensure any future councils work for the benefit of all residents in our area and that no people or communities are left behind. 

Effective

Option A enables more effective services and stronger partnerships  

• It creates councils large enough to deliver quality, accessible and responsive services.

• It enhances stronger working with the NHS, Police, and with the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA), reflecting real community geographies.  

The creation of two unitary authorities would be the most effective when split into the North and South boundaries in Option A. 

There is already strong collaboration between local government and partners in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. Creating two new councils offers the opportunity to work even more closely with partners, including town and parish councils, businesses and the community and voluntary sector, as well as other public sector bodies who already work to these North and South areas.

Option A can enhance the way residents access services, improving outcomes for all.

Empowered

Option A empowers communities and respects local identities  

• It aligns with historical identities of communities and the daily life of people including issues of travel, access to hospitals, and employment, education and training. 
   
• It ensures local democratic accountability in both council areas.
   
• It recognises and supports the role of town and parish councils and more localised services.  

We believe that the people who live and work in a place know it best and should be empowered to make decisions about their community.

Option A’s proposal for two new councils means a higher percentage of people will live and work within their local authority area – 77% in the North, 81% in the South. 

Residents, stakeholders and businesses will be empowered to build networks and partnerships around established geographies that have distinct identities, characteristics, challenges and opportunities.