Purpose

The Government’s English
Devolution White Paper (December 2024) outlines a vision to boost
economic growth and empower communities by expanding devolution and
simplifying local councils in England. Specifically, it proposes
replacing two-tier councils with unitary authorities. In
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, where local government is
currently split between a unitary council and a two-tier system,
all councils have been formally invited to submit reorganisation
proposals by 28 November 2025, ensuring these meet six specified
criteria (determined by MHCLG – Ministry of Housing,
Communities and local Government).  The 3 Unitary Authority – Greater
Peterborough, Mid- Cambridgeshire and Greater Cambridge – is
the LGR proposal being put forward by Peterborough Council for
consideration.   

Decision

Cabinet RESOLVED:

1.    
To approve the selection of Option
D (Greater Peterborough (Three Unitary Authorities)) as the
Council’s preferred Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)
option.

2.    
To approve the proposal document
for Option D to be submitted to Government alongside other
proposals from councils in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough under
the cover of a joint letter from Council Leaders.

3.    
To delegate authority to the Chief
Executive, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, to
finalise a proposal document for the preferred option and any joint
covering letter from Council Leaders and submit this to Government
by the deadline of 28 November 2025.

A full report can be found
below.