Your Future Councils FAQ

Overview

What does Option A and Local Government Reorganisation mean for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough?

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Find answers to the most common questions asked.

Where do existing district and city geographies fit into Option A?

The North would include the existing city and districts of Peterborough, Fenland and Huntingdonshire and the South would include Cambridge City, East Cambridgeshire, and South Cambridgeshire.

What were the other proposed options?

The other proposed options also contain two new unitary councils that cover the entire Cambridgeshire and Peterborough area and replace all existing local authorities. 

Option B: The North would include Peterborough, Fenland, East Cambridgeshire, and Huntingdonshire. The South would include Cambridge City and South Cambridgeshire.

Option C: The East would include Peterborough, East Cambridgeshire and Fenland. The West would include Cambridge City, Huntingdonshire and South Cambridgeshire.

What is the difference between devolution and Local Government Reorganisation?

Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation are different things. The Government’s plans set out how these can work together to improve public services.  

Devolution is the transfer of powers and funding from national government to local areas, specifically to mayoral combined authorities. The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority is a mayoral combined authority.  

Local Government Reorganisation is about simplifying areas with two-tiers of local government into unitary authorities that are responsible for delivering all council services.

What is a two-tier area?

A two-tier area is made up of a ‘shire’ or county authority and more than one district council. Each of these types of authority has specific duties and responsibilities for services for residents in that area.  

For example, Cambridgeshire County Council is a shire authority and responsible for services that cover the current county council area such as children’s and adult social care, education, libraries and highways.  

The district councils (Fenland District Council, East Cambridgeshire District Council, Cambridge City Council, South Cambridgeshire District Council and Huntingdonshire District Council) provide services such as refuse collection, housing, planning, environmental health, and leisure facilities, within specific areas of the county.

What is a unitary authority? 

Unitary authorities are a single tier of local government responsible for all council services in an area. They may cover a large town or city, part of a county or a whole county. For example, Peterborough City Council is a unitary council.

Does this mean Cambridgeshire County Council will not exist?

Yes. All seven of the county, city and district councils will be abolished and replaced with new unitary councils.

What impact will there be on services as the reorganisation takes place?

There are no immediate changes to the operation of services provided by Cambridgeshire County Council or the district councils. Throughout this process, our vital work supporting residents will continue - services will be delivered and we will still be here for those who need us most.

Will Local Government Reorganisation impact town and parish councils? 

No, town and parish councils are not impacted by LGR, they have important local responsibilities that will be unchanged.

Will there be a crossover between the current and new council authorities?

It is anticipated there would be ‘shadow’ unitary authorities, which are usually established 12 months in advance of any handover to the new unitary authorities. This ensures that new arrangements can be put in place without interrupting services. 

A shadow authority is elected to carry out the functions of a new unitary council until that authority formally comes into effect, on what is commonly called ‘vesting day.’

Shadow authorities also make important decisions in advance of the new councils being created, including decisions about major spending and contract awards and the appointment of senior council officers to enable the new Councils to be ready for ‘vesting day’.